Uganda's political and military leadership has been drawn into a public confrontation after MP Ofwono Opondo rejected a demand by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for a public apology, even as the army chief announced plans to leave his military leadership position.
The disagreement escalated on November 5, 2026, when Muhoozi gave Opondo seven days to apologise to him publicly and on his knees, accusing the former government spokesperson of repeatedly insulting him.
In response on November 6, Opondo rejected the ultimatum in a defiant message, saying the seventh day would find him at his ancestral home in Mulanda-Ayago, which he described as his preferred burial ground.
Opondo Refuses to Back Down
The confrontation followed comments by Opondo questioning the circumstances surrounding the surrender of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu.
Opondo had suggested that Elwelu might have surrendered through a negotiated arrangement, while Muhoozi maintained that the former deputy army chief surrendered on his orders.
Muhoozi subsequently issued his warning to Opondo, saying he would teach him who he was.
Opondo's response has intensified public attention on the disagreement, particularly because both men occupy influential positions within Uganda's political establishment.
Muhoozi Announces Plans to Leave CDF Position
In a separate development, Muhoozi announced that his time as Chief of Defence Forces was approaching its end.
He said he believed he had accomplished the tasks God had assigned him and intended to hand over the office to another qualified military officer in the coming months.
He also announced plans to dedicate his life to Christ after leaving the military leadership position.
However, Muhoozi subsequently reassured his followers that he would remain around for at least another year, leaving the precise timing of the transition unclear.
He has not publicly named a successor or announced a definitive handover date.
Muhoozi Calls for Shs2 Million Basic Salary for UPDF Privates
The CDF also turned attention to the welfare of ordinary soldiers, proposing that every UPDF private receive a basic monthly salary of Shs2 million.
He said the proposed salary adjustment should begin in the next financial year, arguing that improving soldiers' welfare and accommodation should be a priority before he leaves military leadership.
The proposal would represent a significant increase compared with the figures previously discussed in Parliament.
In April 2026, legislators reported that the proposed basic salary for UPDF privates was expected to rise from Shs650,000 to Shs816,280, although funding constraints affected implementation.
Muhoozi did not provide details on how the proposed Shs2 million salary would be financed or confirm that the increase had received formal government budget approval. It therefore remains a proposal rather than an implemented salary adjustment. [Sources: People Daily and Daily Star]
Questions Over Uganda's Military Leadership
Muhoozi's announcement has also generated discussion about the future leadership of the UPDF.
His statement signals an intended transition from the CDF position, but the absence of a named successor and a confirmed handover date leaves important questions unanswered.
The proposed salary increase has meanwhile placed soldiers' welfare at the centre of the discussion, with attention turning to whether government can finance the proposed improvement.
The developments involving Opondo and Muhoozi have consequently opened two major conversations: the conduct of public officials during political disagreements and the future direction of Uganda's military leadership.
CTV Uganda will continue following developments surrounding the Opondo-Muhoozi confrontation, the proposed CDF transition and UPDF soldiers' welfare.
DISCLAIMER: Statements and allegations in this report are attributed to the respective individuals and sources. The proposed salary increase has not been presented as an approved government pay adjustment. Views expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of CTV Uganda.