Uganda Open to Joining Kenya-Led Haiti Mission—Muhoozi Awaits UN or US Request
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has expressed Uganda’s willingness to take part in the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, March 1, 2025, Muhoozi revealed that Uganda had received numerous requests to join the mission. However, he clarified that Uganda would only deploy its forces if a formal invitation came from either the United Nations (UN) or the United States (US).
“I have received many appeals from our brothers and sisters in Haiti. I want them all to know that we love them very much. UPDF is ready to deploy there, let the UN or US make a formal invitation to us. We will be there and we will finish all the problems in Haiti,” Muhoozi wrote.
Muhoozi Confident in UPDF’s Capability
Muhoozi boasted that if Uganda joined the mission, its military would swiftly eliminate criminal gangs in Haiti.
“Within a month, we would have eliminated all criminals in Haiti!” he declared.
In another statement, he confidently asserted that Jimmy Chérizier, alias Barbecue, the notorious Haitian gang leader, would surrender within 24 hours of UPDF’s arrival.
“Barbecue will have to surrender to us within 24 hours if he doesn’t want Kandoya!” he added.
Kenya Suffers First Casualty in Haiti
Muhoozi’s remarks come just days after Kenya suffered its first casualty in the Haiti mission. A Kenyan police officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was critically injured during a security operation in Ségur-Savien, located in the Artibonite region, on February 23, 2025.
He was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital for treatment but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Reacting to the tragic loss, Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed his sorrow in a statement on Monday, February 24, 2025. He praised the fallen officer for his dedication to peacekeeping and assured his family of the government’s full support.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the death of one of our gallant officers who was on peacekeeping duties in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). The officer passed on in hospital from injuries he sustained while on a security operation on 23rd February, 2025. My deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues. We will do everything possible to support the family during this difficult time of grief. We are immensely grateful for his contribution to our country and the stability of Haiti,” Murkomen stated.
The Kenya-Led MSS Mission in Haiti
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya, was approved by the United Nations Security Council in 2023. Its goal is to assist Haiti’s National Police in combating widespread gang violence.
Kenya pledged 1,000 police officers for the mission, with deployments beginning earlier this year. Several other nations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Belize, also committed smaller numbers of personnel.
Despite these efforts, the mission has faced significant logistical and financial obstacles. The force remains understaffed, with less than half of the planned personnel deployed. Meanwhile, armed gangs have continued to expand their control over large parts of Port-au-Prince, demonstrating the urgent need for reinforcements.
Uganda, which has experience in regional military interventions—such as its deployments in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS)—could bring valuable expertise in counterinsurgency and urban warfare if it officially joins the Haiti mission.
In Other News: Kilifi Detective Alleges Bribery Attempt in KSh 32M Fraud Case Involving Italians
Uganda Open to Joining Kenya-Led Haiti Mission—Muhoozi Awaits UN or US Request
