Amama Mbabazi and Museveni Proxy Buyinza Adam Defends Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Calls on Ugandans to Understand Him

Buyinza Adam Luzindana, a former national youth leader who rose to national and international prominence as the Allied Supreme Leader of the formidable Uganda Poor Youth Movement (2014–2022), has come out in strong defense of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Buyinza also served as an elected leader in the NRM Youth League, holding the influential position of Regional Chairman for Kampala.

According to Buyinza, Gen Muhoozi is frequently misunderstood. He argues that Muhoozi’s militaristic language and behavior stem from an upbringing in a highly regimented military environment. Buyinza, however, openly disagrees with Muhoozi’s statements that criticize the United States and the European Union. He maintains that Western powers are important development partners for Uganda and should be constructively engaged rather than antagonized.

Buyinza explains that Gen Muhoozi spent most of his youth in military academies and operations, limiting his interaction with the wider public. He adds that just as the youth freely use street slang like wagwani, bomboclat, and watagwani, Gen Muhoozi also has his own unique expressions shaped by his military background. “Let us get used to his language—or we may misunderstand him and become needlessly distressed,” he says.

While some find Gen Muhoozi’s tone unsettling, Buyinza insists that he is a humble, peace-loving, and God-fearing individual who genuinely loves Uganda and its people.

Buyinza cites Gen Muhoozi’s 2021 recognition as a Uganda Development Champion by Public Opinions International as proof of his strategic leadership and commitment to national development. He asserts that Muhoozi is willing to engage diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders, including diplomats, businessmen, and political leaders.

Despite his praise, Buyinza acknowledges that critics argue Gen Muhoozi’s leadership is overly militaristic and lacks public accountability. He also admits that opportunists and self-seekers sometimes surround the general. Nevertheless, Buyinza urges Ugandans not to judge Muhoozi solely by his social media rhetoric but rather to seek understanding of the man behind the uniform.

“Instead of getting heart attacks over his tweets, let’s seek to understand his background and intentions,” Buyinza says.

He emphasizes that Muhoozi’s perceived harsh language—such as terms like “arresting” and “beating”—is not necessarily a sign of aggression, but a reflection of his upbringing in a military household. In Buyinza’s view, this is simply Muhoozi’s version of being jolly and expressive.

Who is Buyinza Adam Luzindana?

Today a businessman deeply passionate about diplomacy and strategic engagements, Buyinza is rumored to be involved in high-level international negotiations and is allegedly connected to both former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and President Yoweri Museveni. Despite speculation, Buyinza denies any ongoing ties to Museveni or Muhoozi, asserting that he last met the president in 2016.

Buyinza’s rise to political prominence began in 2011 when he was elected Chairman of the NRM Youth League for Kampala Region during a chaotic National Delegates Conference. The event turned rowdy after he mobilized over 20,000 street youth and ghetto supporters, overwhelming what was supposed to be an electoral college for selected youth leaders. He clashed with Gen Kale Kayihura’s preferred candidate, Abdallah Kitata, who was rejected by the youth for being too old and disconnected from grassroots issues.

Despite opposition from Buwanda Anthony and Simon Kaitana, Buyinza’s deep connection with Kampala’s urban poor won him 80% of the vote. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda officially announced his victory.

His leadership was marked by constant activism. Buyinza held weekly press conferences and monthly mass youth meetings to demand increased youth empowerment. His activism led to frequent clashes with the state; he was arrested over 30 times on charges ranging from inciting violence to bribery and allegedly calling for Museveni’s removal as NRM chairman.

In 2014, Buyinza and the Uganda Poor Youth Movement allegedly organized a campaign to bribe NRM mobilizers and NEC members to sign a petition for a Delegates Conference to challenge Museveni’s leadership. The movement’s threats of mass protests—even targeting fuel stations—prompted Museveni to embark on a national youth engagement tour to neutralize their influence. He recruited loyal youth leaders like David Kabanda, Evelyn Anite, Peter Ogwang, Kitata Ibrahim, Nasir Gadaffi, Kiwanuka Moses, and others to counter Buyinza’s efforts.

Despite mass arrests of Poor Youth leaders, their detentions sparked nationwide protests and drew international attention. Diplomats from the US and EU reportedly intervened. Gen Kayihura accused the movement of attempting to bribe party leaders and organize a coup—claims dismissed by Parliament and foreign envoys.

Eventually, the detained leaders were released and invited to State House, but this didn’t end the resistance. The youth instead launched a Liberation Protest, which led to a brutal crackdown. Many of the movement’s senior members are now living abroad, with some reportedly working in diplomacy and intelligence roles, while others remain active in the Ugandan government or private sector.

Buyinza, once a fiery activist, has become one of Uganda’s most enigmatic political figures. Although he’s closely associated with Amama Mbabazi, some believe he quietly works with Museveni on strategic assignments through informal backchannels. Buyinza denies this, insisting his political and diplomatic decisions are independent.

The 2022 dissolution of the Uganda Poor Youth Movement is attributed to a personal decision by Buyinza, reportedly influenced by his fiancée—a young woman said to have a strong influence on his life and political decisions. Sources claim she convinced him to abandon radicalism for business, PR, and diplomacy.

Since stepping back from activism in 2016, Buyinza has maintained a relatively low public profile while operating within Uganda’s business and diplomatic networks. His transformation from street protest leader to behind-the-scenes power broker reflects the shifting dynamics of Ugandan politics—where firebrands often morph into establishment insiders.

Legacy of the Uganda Poor Youth Movement

The movement, though officially disbanded, remains the most mysterious and impactful youth-led political initiative in Uganda’s history. It challenged the entrenched NRM establishment, amplified youth grievances, and shook political foundations. Many of its core leaders hailed from Kayunga or Greater Masaka, and a significant number were Muslim—reflecting the movement’s strong grassroots and religious underpinnings.

In hindsight, Buyinza’s life mirrors that of several top Ugandan leaders—rising from humble, rural roots to national prominence. Like Museveni, Speaker Anita Among, and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, he embodies the complex journey from marginalization to influence.

Though the Poor Youth Movement is no more, its legacy continues to echo through Uganda’s political, social, and security systems.