Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the head of the military, as announced by the defense ministry on Friday. At 48 years old, Kainerugaba, a general in the military, has long been considered the heir apparent to his father’s presidency. He takes over from Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who has been reassigned as a junior minister.
This appointment comes after Kainerugaba was removed from his position as commander of Uganda’s land forces in 2022 due to controversial remarks made on social media. Among these remarks was a threat to invade neighboring Kenya, which stirred significant backlash. Additionally, Kainerugaba expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance in Ukraine, drawing attention to his political views.
Despite laws prohibiting serving military officers from engaging in politics, Kainerugaba has been actively involved in political discourse, often engaging in exchanges with opposition figures. He has also formed a pressure group aimed at garnering political support, a move criticized by his detractors.
With Uganda set to hold its next presidential election in early 2026, President Museveni is widely expected to seek re-election, maintaining his decades-long tenure as the country’s leader.
