Muhoozi to Trump : Rwanda and Uganda should be involved in Trump-Congo mineral deal

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has issued a strong message to former U.S. President Donald Trump, warning him not to sign any mineral deals in East Africa that leave out Uganda and Rwanda.

On social media, Muhoozi—who is also the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and a senior advisor—spoke directly to Trump. He wrote:

Muhoozi called Trump his “hero and fellow Muchwezi,” showing respect while sending a bold warning. His post came at a time when Trump’s team is reportedly looking into new business opportunities in Africa, especially in areas rich in resources.

East Africa has many valuable minerals like gold, rare earth elements, and lithium, which are important for making modern electronics. Uganda and Rwanda, as important countries in the region, want a bigger role in decisions about how their resources are used. Muhoozi’s statement reflects growing tension as countries in the region push back against being left out of international deals.

His message also shows that Uganda and Rwanda will not accept being ignored in global partnerships. It remains unknown if Trump will respond or change his plans, but the general’s words are clear—any exclusive deal may face political resistance.

While this warning grabbed attention, it was not the only post by Muhoozi that made headlines. In another surprising message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

This post shocked many people in and outside Uganda. Kisangani is a key city in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known for past battles and being an important trade hub. It was the site of fighting between Ugandan and Rwandan forces during the Second Congo War (1998–2003).

Muhoozi’s words suggest Uganda may be planning to support M23 rebels—or send in its own soldiers—if M23 fails. M23 is a rebel group that has long caused instability in eastern DRC. Some believe Rwanda supports the group, though Rwanda denies it.

Uganda has previously sent its army into Congo. In 2021, UPDF worked with Congo’s army in Operation Shujaa to fight a different rebel group, the ADF, which has ties to Islamic extremists.

However, there is no public confirmation from President Museveni about any order to enter Kisangani. Some Ugandans are asking why their country might get involved in Congo again, fearing more conflict.

Muhoozi is known for making controversial statements online. In 2022, he tweeted about invading Kenya, which led to diplomatic problems. Whether Uganda will act on his recent Congo post is still uncertain, but if M23 or UPDF moves into Kisangani, it could make the region even more unstable.

As things develop, Muhoozi continues to put himself at the center of East Africa’s military and political conversations—especially in how the region deals with global powers like the U.S. and leaders like Trump.