Controversy Surrounds Appointment of President Museveni's Son as Top Military Commander

The move has raised eyebrows in a country where speculation about Museveni grooming his eldest child for the presidency has long been rife.

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has recently been making waves across Uganda by holding rallies, despite a law that prohibits serving army officers from engaging in partisan politics. Kainerugaba insists that his activities, including the launch of a nonpartisan activist group called the Patriotic League of Uganda, are aimed at promoting patriotism among Ugandans.

The announcement of Kainerugaba's promotion came late Thursday, accompanied by a reshuffle of government ministers that saw two of his closest advisors being appointed to ministerial positions. This move has fueled speculation that President Museveni is endorsing Kainerugaba's political aspirations.

President Museveni, who seized power in 1986 and has since been elected six times, has not indicated when he plans to retire. With no clear rivals within the ruling National Resistance Movement party, many speculate that the military will play a significant role in determining his successor. Observers note that Kainerugaba's allies hold strategic positions across the security services, further cementing his influence.

Uganda's next presidential election is scheduled for 2026. Supporters of Kainerugaba argue that his ascent offers the possibility of a peaceful transfer of power, a rare occurrence in a country that has not experienced one since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1962. However, opposition figures and critics fear that Kainerugaba's rise signals a move towards hereditary rule.

Kainerugaba's military career has been the subject of controversy since he joined the army in the late 1990s. Critics have dubbed his rise to the top of the armed forces as the "Muhoozi Project," suggesting it is a ploy to prepare him for the presidency. While Museveni and Kainerugaba have consistently denied such allegations, it appears that a transition of power may be underway as Museveni, now 79, serves what could potentially be his final term without a clear successor in the civilian government.

Previously serving as a senior presidential advisor overseeing special operations, Kainerugaba was removed as infantry commander in 2022 due to a series of provocative tweets, including one where he threatened to capture the capital of neighboring Kenya. He has also held positions as the commander of elite special forces tasked with protecting the first family.