- Iran dismissed remarks by Muhoozi Kainerugaba after the Ugandan general claimed the Uganda People’s Defence Force could capture Tehran
- Muhoozi, son of Yoweri Museveni, had earlier aligned Uganda with Israel, saying Kampala was ready to offer military support
- His now-deleted claim that a single UPDF brigade could seize Tehran in two weeks drew ridicule
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Iran has dismissed remarks by Uganda’s outspoken military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, after he claimed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) could capture Tehran.
Source: UGC
Muhoozi, son of President Yoweri Museveni, had earlier taken a strong stance on the escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
What did Muhoozi say about Iran and Israel?
In a series of posts on X, the general openly aligned Uganda with Israel, declaring that Kampala would support Tel Aviv if its existence were threatened.
He framed Uganda as a willing ally, ready to intervene militarily should Israel request assistance.
He went further to suggest direct military involvement, stating that Uganda stood ready to deploy troops in support of Israel.
“If Israel needs help, it only need ask. Their Ugandan brothers are ready to assist,” he added.
Muhoozi’s statements have drawn attention because they represent one of the clearest positions taken by a senior African military official regarding the conflict.
Why did Muhoozi’s Tehran capture claim spark attention?
In his now-deleted post, the military boss claimed the UPDF could seize Tehran in just 14 days, which drew the most attention internationally.
In the post, Kainerugaba asserted that a single UPDF brigade would be sufficient to take control of Iran’s capital, a claim widely viewed as exaggerated and provocative.
“It can’t take us more than 2 weeks to capture Tehran. A UPDF Brigade is enough for that job,” Muhoozi wrote.
Source: Twitter
The Islamic Republic of Iran turned Muhoozi’s controversial statement into a moment of global ridicule.
Tehran’s response came swiftly, with Iranian officials brushing off the comments and mocking Kainerugaba as a source of entertainment rather than a serious military voice.
In a pointed reaction shared online, Iran described him as “the latest phenomenon”, signalling that his remarks were not being taken as a credible threat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the latest phenomenon to entertain you on Africa’s Got Talent,” Iran wrote.
How did Muhoozi warn Israel?
The exchange comes at a time of heightened global anxiety over the Middle East conflict.
Tensions have steadily escalated amid fears of a broader war, with Iran’s closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz already sending shockwaves through global trade and energy markets.
While there has been no formal communication from the Ugandan government confirming his stance, Muhoozi’s remarks have been interpreted as reflective of Kampala’s longstanding ties with Israel.
Uganda and Israel have maintained close cooperation over the years, particularly in defence and intelligence.
Beyond his show of support for Israel, Muhoozi also issued a warning directed at Tehran, suggesting that any missile attack would provoke retaliation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
