Viral Video of Minister Confronting a Powerful General Leaves Ugandans Completely Divided

A viral video showing Ugandan Lands Minister Hon. Sam Mayanja raising his voice and ordering a top-ranking Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) General to vacate disputed land has ignited a heated public debate over the balance of power between civilian ministers and military generals in Uganda.

The confrontation, which reportedly took place during a land inspection tour, shows Minister Mayanja shouting at the General in front of cameras and local residents.

The minister issued a stern directive demanding the immediate withdrawal of UPDF soldiers from contested land claimed to belong to poor Ugandan citizens. While the name of the UPDF officer has not been officially released, sources confirmed he holds the rank of General — one of the highest positions in the military hierarchy.

The altercation has stirred significant online discussion, with Ugandans divided over whether a civilian minister has the authority to publicly reprimand and command a top army officer.

One Twitter user praised Minister Mayanja and Phionah Barungi for standing up for ordinary Ugandans. They thanked President Museveni for appointing them, emphasizing their fight against “mafias and corrupt individuals” stealing land from the poor.

However, others expressed discomfort with the minister’s tone. “But why is he shouting?” questioned one user, while another cautioned, “Governance issues. Some matters have to be discussed out of public eye.”

The debate quickly evolved into a broader constitutional and institutional conversation. One Twitter user pointed out confusion over military ranks, writing: “You seriously don’t know the difference between a Brigadier General and a full General? That’s just embarrassing.”

Another emphasized the civil supremacy principle, saying: “Unless it’s a militant state, public service officials & executives seat above the army ranks. It’s the authority & responsibility enshrined in the office not peeps.”

Some voiced concern over the politicization of military roles. “In a sane society a military general is more powerful and respected than any politician. In Uganda we have political generals — that’s why they can be humiliated by anyone capable of speaking loudly,” one user wrote.

Another tried to clarify the roles between the two institutions: “In matters of land, the Minister is superior. In matters of security, the General is. If everyone sticks to their role, no one will be embarrassed.”

Some critics questioned the legal power behind the Minister’s directive. “A minister’s directive has no legal authority unless backed by the Constitution or courts. Ministers are not above the law,” one user said, warning that such orders can be overturned.

Another user added sarcastically, “A General is below an MP… and you bring a minister?”

According to Uganda’s Constitution, the military operates under the authority of the civilian government. However, in practice, military and political power have often been intertwined in Uganda’s governance. This incident has laid bare the unresolved tensions between institutions