Uganda Links Cyberattacks to Iran Following Military Chief’s Pro-Israel Stance
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has accused Iran of launching cyberattacks against the country after he publicly declared support for Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict. In a March 31 statement, Muhoozi claimed the attacks followed his social media posts backing Israel, vowing to investigate and take action against those responsible.
On March 25, Muhoozi had called for an end to the war, asserting that Uganda a predominantly Christian nation would side with Israel if its existence were threatened. He framed Uganda’s stance as a moral obligation, citing Israel’s past support during the 1980s and 1990s, including military training for Ugandan forces. The general also referenced biblical parallels, comparing Uganda to David facing a "giant" in the conflict.
Muhoozi further alleged that Iran has no legitimate interests in Uganda but has engaged in covert operations in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, including smuggling networks and questionable diplomatic outreach. He suggested Iran’s broader regional ambitions particularly its interest in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea pose a strategic concern for Uganda.
The military chief has deepened Uganda’s ties with Israel, announcing plans in February to erect a statue at Entebbe International Airport honoring Lt.-Col. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the 1976 hostage rescue operation. While the monument symbolizes Uganda-Israel relations, the government has not officially confirmed the project.
Muhoozi has since reaffirmed Uganda’s support for Israel, warning that the country would oppose Iran and its allies in the conflict. The cyberattacks, if confirmed, mark an escalation in tensions following Uganda’s public alignment with Israel.
Source: https://thekenyatimes.com/world-news/uganda-hit-with-suspected-iranian-hackers/
Office of the Prime Minister Uganda cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/office-of-the-prime-minister-uganda
"id": "OFF1775024914",
"linkid": "office-of-the-prime-minister-uganda",
"type": "Cyber Attack",
"date": "3/2026",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "8",
"explanation": "Attack that could bring to a war"{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'Defense/National Security',
'location': 'Uganda',
'name': 'Government of Uganda',
'type': 'Government'}],
'date_publicly_disclosed': '2024-03-31',
'description': 'Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has '
'accused Iran of launching cyberattacks against the country '
'after he publicly declared support for Israel in the ongoing '
'Middle East conflict. The attacks followed his social media '
'posts backing Israel, and Uganda has vowed to investigate and '
'take action against those responsible.',
'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': 'Potential escalation in geopolitical '
'tensions'},
'investigation_status': 'Ongoing',
'motivation': "Retaliation for Uganda's public support of Israel in the "
'Middle East conflict',
'references': [{'source': 'Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Statement'}],
'response': {'communication_strategy': 'Public statement by Uganda’s Chief of '
'Defence Forces'},
'threat_actor': 'Iran',
'title': 'Cyberattacks on Uganda Linked to Iran Following Military Chief’s '
'Pro-Israel Stance',
'type': 'Cyberattack'}