Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has directed government ministers to seek his permission before travelling outside the country, announcing a proposed Shs30 million fine for those who leave without his clearance.
Muhoozi issued the directive in posts on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after questioning the recent trip to Türkiye by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially lists Kasolo in that position.
“I did not clear Hon. Kasolo to visit Turkey. He will explain,” Muhoozi wrote while referring to the minister’s trip.
He subsequently stated that all ministers must obtain his permission before travelling abroad and that those who travel without clearance would be fined Shs30 million.
“Every minister who leaves the country without my permission will be fined 30 million shillings. We shall use that money to build roads. Ministry of Finance will start implementing this order immediately,” Muhoozi said.
Muhoozi also said he would clear ministers’ foreign trips on a monthly basis and directed that the Finance Ministry would require his approval.
Kasolo later responded to Muhoozi, saying he would follow the guidance and seek his authority before future foreign travel. Muhoozi replied by describing Kasolo as a “very good cadre.”
The announcement has raised questions about the formal authority behind the directive because Muhoozi serves as Uganda’s military commander, while ministers serve within the civilian executive structure.
Existing reporting on Uganda’s foreign-travel procedures indicates that ministerial travel has historically involved government clearance mechanisms, including the Prime Minister’s office. However, it remains unclear what formal legal or administrative instrument Muhoozi was invoking when announcing that ministers must personally obtain his clearance and face the proposed financial penalty.
The directive has therefore placed renewed attention on the respective roles of Uganda’s military leadership and civilian government, particularly regarding decisions affecting Cabinet ministers and government administration.
🚨 Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba questioned State Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo over his Turkey trip: “You went there without permission?”
The exchange follows Muhoozi’s directive requiring ministers to notify and obtain clearance before foreign travel, with a Shs30m fine. pic.twitter.com/rug9cNtWoX
— Celeb Patrol UG (@CelebPatrolUg) September 27, 2026
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