Uganda: President Museveni elevates son to army chief

In a move that has ignited concerns about succession plans in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to lead the country’s defence forces, announced the government on Thursday.

This appointment marks a remarkable ascent for Kainerugaba, whose trajectory within Uganda’s military has been closely watched amidst speculation of grooming for higher leadership roles.

Despite previous disavowals of ambition to succeed his father, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, the 49-year-old general has swiftly climbed the ranks of Uganda’s army.

Last year, in a now-deleted social media post, Kainerugaba hinted at presidential aspirations for the 2026 elections, expressing sentiments of generational change.

However, his outspokenness on social media has not been without controversy. In 2022, a post threatening to invade Kenya stirred diplomatic tensions, prompting Museveni to caution his son against public commentary on state affairs.

Yet, Museveni has also defended Kainerugaba’s capabilities, emphasizing his military prowess.

Despite protocols prohibiting military officials from engaging in political discourse, Kainerugaba has frequently weighed in on such matters, drawing criticism and diplomatic challenges for Uganda. His support for various causes, including Tigrayan rebels in Ethiopia and controversial stances on international conflicts, has raised eyebrows both domestically and abroad.

The perceived succession plan has been a sensitive topic in Uganda, with past crackdowns on discussions about Kainerugaba’s potential ascent.

In 2013, media outlets faced government reprisals for publishing leaked memos suggesting Museveni’s grooming of his son for leadership.

The promotion of Kainerugaba has not only caused rifts within Museveni’s inner circle but has also drawn condemnation from opposition figures and government critics. Notably, author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija’s allegations of torture in custody over critical remarks about Museveni and Kainerugaba underscore the contentious nature of the issue.

As Uganda navigates this transition within its military leadership, the elevation of Museveni’s son raises questions about the country’s political future and the preservation of democratic norms.