Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said all government ministers must obtain his permission and clearance before travelling outside the country.
Muhoozi made the announcement on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, travelled to Türkiye.
“All ministers need my permission and clearance before leaving the country. I did not clear Hon. Kasolo to visit Turkey. He will explain,” Muhoozi said in a post on X.
In another post responding to Kasolo’s announcement of his official engagements in Türkiye, Muhoozi asked: “You went there without permission?”
Kasolo has been undertaking official engagements in Türkiye, including meetings on Uganda-Türkiye cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and healthcare. Uganda’s embassy in Ankara has documented several of his engagements, including meetings with Turkish officials and business representatives.
Muhoozi subsequently announced a Shs30 million fine for any minister who leaves Uganda without his permission.
“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,” he said.
He separately praised Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare, saying: “Minister of Foreign Affairs Adonia Ayebare is a disciplined cadre. He does not go anywhere without my permission.”
Muhoozi did not cite a law, regulation or government directive establishing the clearance requirement or the proposed fine in the posts.
Kasolo’s trip to Türkiye has included official engagements on bilateral cooperation. The Uganda Embassy in Ankara recently reported that he and Uganda’s ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, held discussions with Turkish officials on expanding trade and investment, including cooperation in tourism, coffee, mining, construction, textiles and ICT.
