Uganda's long-time president has promoted his son to a two-star general

Uganda's long-time president has promoted his son to a two-star general, bolstering speculation that the son's rise in the army could eventually lead to a political career.

With the promotion, President Yoweri Museveni's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, becomes a major general and remains the top commander of Uganda's special forces, an elite unit within the regular army that is mainly in charge of protecting the president and top government officials.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said Tuesday that Muhoozi is one of five army officers promoted in changes announced late Monday.

Many Ugandans believe Muhoozi, 42, is being groomed to eventually succeed Museveni, who has ruled this East African country for 30 years. Museveni has denied that his son will succeed him, saying that Uganda is not a monarchy.