The US Embassy in Uganda has announced it will reduce updates on its social media accounts due to a lapse in appropriations.
In a statement, the embassy said, “Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.”
The embassy assured the public that essential services will continue.
“At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” the statement said.
Individuals seeking information on services and operating status were directed to visit the official website, travel.state.gov, for updates.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Uganda and the United States following statements by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Recently, Muhoozi tweeted, alleging that the US had assisted opposition leader Bobi Wine in leaving the country following the January 25 presidential election. Bobi Wine, who came second in the vote, had reportedly gone into hiding during the electoral period.
Muhoozi later deleted the tweets and issued an apology to the US.
Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, described Muhoozi’s previous tweets as part of a recurring pattern and urged the US administration to reassess its partnership with Uganda, including aspects such as military cooperation.
“Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba has crossed a red line, and now the U.S. must reevaluate its security partnership, which includes sanctions and military cooperation with Uganda,” Senator Risch stated.
“The president’s son cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies. The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness when American personnel, U.S. interests, and innocent lives in the region are at stake,” he added.