After drawing significant international attention with unusually strong public statements in support of the country during the current regional tensions involving Iran, Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, set out for Israel.

“It’s true,” the general said. “I’m on my way to Tel Aviv to meet my Israeli brothers.”

Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s long-time president Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, and widely viewed as his likely successor, has recently positioned himself as one of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices among senior military figures globally.

In a series of public remarks, he stated that Uganda would stand with Israel in the event of a wider conflict. “Any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war – on the side of Israel.”

He even suggested military support if needed, saying, “I’m ready to deploy 100,000 Ugandan soldiers… to protect the Holy Land.”

His comments included direct declarations that any attempt to destroy Israel would draw Uganda into the conflict on Israel’s side, alongside expressions of personal and national solidarity.

“Israel stood with us… Why wouldn’t we defend her?” he said.

At one point, he added, “NO ONE will touch Israel. Africa will protect her.”

These remarks quickly attracted international attention due to their unusual directness coming from a serving army chief, and came at a time when Israel is facing ongoing regional pressure and heightened security concerns connected to the broader conflict with Iran and its allies.

Uganda’s relationship with Israel has a long and complex history. Israel once trained Uganda’s army and contributed to its early military development. In the 1970s, under the rule of Idi Amin, Uganda severed ties with Israel and supported terrorist activity against Israel, most famously seen in the 1976 Entebbe hijacking and the subsequent miraculous rescue operation.

In the decades since, relations have gradually been restored and developed into cooperation in security and diplomatic areas.

Kainerugaba’s current position reflects a far more public and personal alignment than seen in the past, and his actions are being closely watched both in Africa and internationally.