Ugandan president's son threatens to deport opposition voters and bans army women from wearing trousers.

The son of Uganda’s president issued a controversial statement on Thursday, declaring that any citizen who votes against his father in the upcoming elections would be deported. He also announced a new policy banning female soldiers from wearing trousers.

Uganda is scheduled to hold a general election in January, and the past few months have seen an increasing crackdown on opposition voices.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son and presumed successor of President Yoweri Museveni—who has held power for decades—is known for his provocative posts on social media platform X, where he comments on topics ranging from military operations to personal affairs.

On Thursday, he warned citizens in a post, saying, “Individuals who do not support Mzee wholeheartedly better be very careful!” referring to his father with an honorific title. He added, “We will deport all the traitors in public view!”

Earlier this month, Kainerugaba claimed responsibility for the capture and torture of Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine. Mutwe later appeared in court with visible signs of abuse, according to Uganda’s Justice Minister, Norbert Mao.

In a follow-up post, Kainerugaba asserted that he took “full responsibility” for the actions of his soldiers, including what he called “the long overdue beating of Eddie Mutwe.” He described the incident as “an appetiser.”

In another controversial directive, Kainerugaba announced that all female personnel in the army would henceforth be required to march in skirts. “Trousers are for men not for women. Anyone who forces our sisters to put on trousers on parade again will have a very bad day,” he stated.

Currently, only a small percentage of the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) comprises women, who wear the same uniforms as their male colleagues in daily duties. According to local media, skirts are generally reserved for formal military events.