Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni, has ignited fierce backlash across East Africa after making a highly controversial statement about women’s bodies on social media.
In a now-viral post, Muhoozi declared:
“I’m sorry, but we will start arresting nyashless women. This is for the future of the country. We can’t have women that look like men.”
The term “nyashless” is a slang reference to women perceived to have less prominent buttocks, and Muhoozi’s post was widely condemned for promoting body shaming, misogyny, and the objectification of women.
Rather than walk back the controversial remark, Muhoozi followed it up with even more divisive statements:
“All women with Nyashes are extremely intelligent! Muraregye!”
“Bumless women, there is hope! Do squats every day!”
These comments triggered outrage from activists, feminists, and social media users, many of whom demanded accountability from Uganda’s top military officer.
“This isn’t just insensitive — it’s a disgrace coming from someone in uniform and in power,” said one Ugandan women’s rights advocate on X (formerly Twitter).
Public response has been swift, with many calling the remarks sexist, demeaning, and an abuse of his political and military influence. The statements have raised alarm not just in Uganda, but also in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda — where Muhoozi has previously made controversial headlines.
