Mnangagwa ally’s son threatens to behead opposition leader

The deep-rooted alliance between Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has taken on a dramatic twist, as the son of Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made a chilling threat to behead Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Kainerugaba, who commands Uganda’s military and is widely viewed as his father’s political successor, posted a threatening statement on X (formerly Twitter), reigniting fears over the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the Museveni-Mnangagwa alliance.

“If Mzee [Museveni] was not there, I would cut off his head today,” Kainerugaba wrote, referring to his father’s protective influence over Wine. This comment has drawn criticism from opposition voices and human rights activists.

The Museveni-Mnangagwa Connection

The relationship between Museveni and Mnangagwa is more than a handshake between heads of state. The two leaders share the same birthday on 15 September. The duo have cultivated a bond rooted in shared military histories. Their political strategies mirror each other—from curbing opposition movements to strengthening military control.

Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after a military-backed coup, and Museveni, Uganda’s leader since 1986, have often celebrated their partnership as a symbol of Pan-African solidarity. According to Chimpreports, in March 2024, Mnangagwa formally welcomed Uganda’s High Commissioner, Paul Amoru, emphasising the enduring ties between their nations. This diplomatic gesture reaffirmed their commitment to economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and, crucially, mutual security.

Uganda-Zimbabwe Security Linkage

These ties were further solidified in April 2024 when military leaders from Uganda and Zimbabwe convened in Kampala for their annual bilateral security meeting. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General James Birungi, highlighted the importance of their collaboration in addressing regional threats, while Zimbabwe’s Major General Thomas Moyo echoed the need for strengthened defense relations.

“It is my desire that these relations, built on strong historical and cultural bonds, continue to grow for our mutual benefit,” said Major General Birungi, as reported by UPDF. The partnership extends beyond rhetoric, reflecting a shared commitment to consolidating power domestically while presenting a united front against external interference.

The Threat Against Bobi Wine

Bobi Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, responded to the threat by pointing to the regime’s history of political violence. “The threat by Museveni’s son (who also heads Uganda’s military) to behead me is not something I take lightly, given that many have been killed by him and his father,” he wrote on X.

Bobi Wine is a Ugandan activist, politician, singer, lawyer, and actor. He previously served as a member of Parliament representing the Kyadondo County East constituency in Wakiso District, located in Uganda’s Central Region. Additionally, he is the leader of the National Unity Platform political party.

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