Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has promoted his son to head of the army, raising concerns that he is grooming his eldest child for the presidency.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs announced late on Thursday that General Muhoozi Kainerugaba had been appointed the chief of defence forces, capping his rapid ascent through the Ugandan army ranks since the late 1990s.
Kainerugaba, who was being groomed to probably succeed his father, had before sparked diplomatic uproars with his social media posts.
Despite previous denials regarding his intentions to succeed his father, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, the 49-year-old general has rapidly ascended through Uganda’s army ranks.
In a post on X last year, which has since been deleted, Kainerugaba announced his intention to run for president in the 2026 elections. He also appeared to criticise his father, stating: “How many agree with me that our time has come? Enough of the old people ruling us. Dominating us. It’s time for our generation to shine. Retweet and like.”
A controversy arose in 2022 when Kainerugaba made a post threatening to invade Kenya. In response, Museveni advised his son to refrain from discussing state matters on social media. Despite the incident, Museveni has defended his son as a “very good general” and promoted him to that rank shortly after the disagreement.
Thursday’s announcement came as part of a government reshuffle, with former army chief General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi appointed as the junior minister for trade.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: German Parliament celebrates historic moment with first Deaf Lawmaker