Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the new leader of the military, as announced by the defense ministry on Friday.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, aged 48 and holding the rank of general, is often seen as the possible future leader after his father. This decision comes after his previous controversial statements, including threats to invade Kenya and support for Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Ukraine crisis.
In 2022, President Museveni removed his son from his position as commander of Uganda’s land forces due to his social media posts about invading Kenya. Kainerugaba’s involvement in politics, despite laws against it for military officers, has been a subject of criticism. However, he continues to be a prominent figure, with many viewing him as a potential successor to his father, who has ruled Uganda for almost forty years.
The appointment of Kainerugaba as head of the military marks a significant development in Uganda’s political landscape. Despite controversies surrounding his political involvement, his supporters see him as a strong leader who could lead the country in the future. With Uganda scheduled to hold its next presidential election in 2026, the role of Kainerugaba in the military and his potential political aspirations will be closely watched.