Just Enjoy The Samosas, Pancakes, And Chapatis - Ugandans Mock Committee As Cdf Muhoozi Skip Meeting

The Defense and Internal Affairs Committee of Uganda’s Parliament has found itself at the centre of public ridicule after the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, failed to appear before them. The meeting was convened to address his controversial tweets, which have recently sparked public and political debate.

Members of Parliament expressed frustration over Gen. Muhoozi's absence, which they claimed was disrespectful and dismissive of parliamentary authority. The Committee had summoned him to explain his contentious social media statements, only for Defense Minister Vincent Ssempijja to inform them that the CDF was “unaware” of the scheduled meeting. This explanation, however, failed to pacify the MPs.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Defense Ministry distanced itself from Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets, stating that they were personal opinions and not representative of the ministry’s stance. They assured the committee that Gen. Muhoozi would address the issues in due course. However, no timeline was provided for when he would honour the summons.

Ugandans on social media seized the opportunity to mock the committee members, accusing them of being ineffective and indulgent. The hashtags mocking the parliamentary committee have been trending, with users suggesting that the MPs enjoy allowances and snacks more than addressing the country’s pressing issues. One user quipped:
"Let them just enjoy the samosas, pancakes, and chapatis since that’s what they like most; otherwise, they are jokers!"

Another remarked, “Just sign for and eat your allowances in peace. We all understand the rest.”

Some commentators noted that the committee members were naive to believe Gen. Muhoozi would respect their summons, with one saying, “He neither respects nor fears any of them.”

This debacle comes barely a week after Gen. Muhoozi returned to X following a brief hiatus. His new account, @mkainerugaba, has quickly amassed a significant following, and he has resumed his bold and often controversial style of posting. Among his latest declarations was a promise to "shake up this world," further polarizing public opinion.

The Defense and Internal Affairs Committee has instructed the Ministry of Defense to ensure Gen. Muhoozi’s attendance at their next meeting, scheduled for Monday. While the committee insists that it will continue to pursue accountability, the public remains skeptical, with many questioning the effectiveness of its oversight.

The incident has reignited discussions about accountability in Uganda’s leadership and the influence of social media on governance. As Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets continue to spark controversy, the lack of immediate consequences for his actions raises questions about the checks and balances within Uganda’s political system.

As the saga unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the committee can assert its authority or if this will become yet another instance of political impunity. Meanwhile, the public’s derision serves as a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between Ugandan leaders and their constituents.