A high-ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, has warned of a response if a confrontation with Washington’s envoy to Uganda happens.
The senator’s remarks come in response to a tweet by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced a potential “serious confrontation” with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, over what he described as disrespect toward President Yoweri Museveni and undermining the Ugandan constitution.
In a direct response to the CDF’s comments, Senator Risch tweeted:
“Any further ‘confrontation’ will be very problematic and met with a serious response. U.S. Amb. Popp and @USMissionUganda engage with the government and others in #Uganda on a non-partisan basis in order to improve ties between the American & Ugandan people.”
The ‘diplomatic spat’ began after Gen. Muhoozi took to social media to accuse the U.S. Ambassador of disrespecting Uganda’s leadership. “Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a serious confrontation with the current US Ambassador to our country. For disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and for undermining the constitution of Uganda,” Muhoozi tweeted.
While specific details of the alleged misconduct remain unclear, the public nature of the warning from Uganda’s CDF has triggered mild attention, prompting Risch to defend the actions of their diplomatic mission in Uganda.
Senator Risch’s strong words indicate that any further escalation could be met with consequences from the U.S. government. As a leading figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy, many will be hoping that Risch’s statement does not inspire similar.
The U.S. Mission in Uganda is yet to respond to Gen Muhoozi who also gave the ambassador until Monday to show remorse for his actions.
