Shaban Lukooya
One of the towering icons of Greek philosophy, Socrates—widely regarded as the father of Western philosophy—is reported to have said: “The misuse of language induces evil in the soul.”
The first time I came across this profound quotation, my mind wandered to the social media antics of our Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
His frenetic activity on X (formerly Twitter) is nothing short of astonishing. His “musings,” as he recently described them, have far-reaching implications—not just for his personal ambitions as a potential successor to his father, President Museveni, but also for his role as the leader of one of the most sensitive institutions in the country.
While many have critiqued Muhoozi’s posts from legal, military, and diplomatic perspectives, fewer have examined their broader impact on public perception—both of his persona and Uganda’s image on the global stage. His unfiltered, often provocative tweets raise pressing questions about the intersection of leadership, responsibility, and the digital age.
Some of Muhoozi’s most notable posts include grievances against his father, unprofessional declarations of admiration for celebrities like Beyoncé and Ayra Starr, threats directed at political actors, disparaging remarks about family members, and belittling insults toward senior army officers. Then there are the tweets with severe diplomatic repercussions—claims that the Ugandan army could capture Kenyan capital Nairobi in two weeks or launch an attack on Sudan.
These statements are often met with applause from his most sycophantic followers, but they provoke alarm among more discerning members of society. Such reckless use of language erodes public trust, compromises national security, and damages Uganda’s diplomatic relationships. Leadership demands thoughtful communication. Words have the power to unite and inspire—but when misused, they can divide and harm. Social media, with its vast reach, amplifies both possibilities. For leaders, it offers a platform to engage directly with citizens, but it also increases the risks of impulsive missteps.
Muhoozi’s tweets often blur the line between personal opinion and official government policy. His inflammatory remarks about Uganda’s neighbours such as Kenya and Sudan, did not merely provoke diplomatic crises—they necessitated extensive damage control, diverting government resources from pressing national issues. His criticisms of his father’s administration, while occasionally touching on legitimate concerns like corruption, sow confusion about the unity and authority within Uganda’s institutions.
In today’s hyper-connected world, a single impulsive post can ignite a diplomatic crisis, erode public trust, and destabilise governance structures. Effective leaders recognise this risk and approach digital platforms with caution, using them to promote constructive dialogue rather than personal grievances or reckless commentary.
Muhoozi’s conduct underscores the urgent need for clear communication guidelines for public officials, especially those in sensitive positions. Balancing personal expression with institutional representation demands training, discipline, and accountability.
Internationally, Muhoozi’s tweets have strained Uganda’s relationships with neighbours and allies, creating unnecessary friction. Domestically, they have polarised the public.This situation demands reflection on the qualities Ugandans should value in their leaders: boldness tempered with discipline, visionary thinking grounded in respect, and integrity that inspires trust.
For leaders, words are powerful tools that can either build bridges or tear them down. It is imperative that they wield them responsibly to foster unity, trust, and progress.
The author, Shaban Lukooya is a PhD student of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Lahore, Pakistan.
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