A storm of public criticism has erupted following shocking remarks made online by Uganda’s top military figure and presidential heir apparent. His recent social media activity has once again thrust him into the spotlight—this time for suggesting that women without prominent backsides should be arrested for the “sake of the country.”
The military general, known for his brash and controversial social media presence, posted a string of messages focusing on women’s physical appearances, particularly their buttocks—referred to in local slang as “nyash.” In one message, he declared that women with nyash are “brilliant,” and followed it up with a bold claim that “nyashless” women would be arrested because “we can’t have women that look like men.” He even joked that if a woman’s backside was smaller than his, she ought to be reported to the police.
Adding an odd touch of unsolicited fitness advice, he concluded by encouraging women to do squats daily, offering a strange form of hope for those he labeled as “bumless.”
This isn’t the first time the military leader has made headlines for remarks that blur the line between satire and sexism. He previously issued directives for female soldiers to abandon trousers for skirts, insisting trousers are “for men.” Such views, often veiled as personal preferences or humor, have been widely criticized as sexist and unfit for a person in his influential position.
His statements—delivered in a tone that mixes ridicule, provocation, and mock-authoritarianism—highlight a recurring theme in his public persona: a tendency to comment on women’s bodies, clothing, and roles in society, often in ways that spark fierce debate. These pronouncements have been dismissed by some as jokes, but critics argue that they reflect deeper issues about gender respect and leadership accountability.
The general’s social media has previously been a hotbed for inflammatory declarations that stretch far beyond gender topics. He once claimed that his army could capture the capital of a neighboring country within weeks—a statement that sparked diplomatic outrage. He has also used the same platform to issue threats against local opposition figures, leading to repeated damage control efforts by the central government.
Despite—or perhaps because of—his unpredictable public behavior, the general continues to command a significant following and is viewed by many as the likely successor to the country’s current long-serving president. Whether his online persona is part of a calculated political strategy or simply a reflection of unchecked personal expression, it keeps him squarely in the eye of public controversy.
His latest comments on women’s bodies have reignited debates about the role of personal conduct in public leadership, particularly in societies grappling with issues of gender equality, dignity, and respect. While some dismiss his comments as unserious or humorous, others argue that normalizing such views only deepens harmful stereotypes and undermines progress toward a more inclusive society.
As the backlash continues to grow, many observers remain puzzled: is this merely another instance of attention-seeking rhetoric, or a glimpse into a troubling mindset from someone poised to play an even larger role in the country’s future?
