© AFP – PETER BUSOMOKE
Muhoozi Kainerugaba during his swearing in as head of the Ugandan Defense Force on January 17, 2017.
In Uganda, will the son of President Museveni succeed his father? Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced on Tuesday March 8 his departure from the army, of which he was one of the main leaders. This revives speculation around a family succession at the head of the country.
« After 28 years of service in my glorious army, the greatest army in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement ». This is what wrote on twitter Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He has the rank of general and has led the army since June 2021, following having commanded the special forces. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is 48 years old and he has been presented for several years now as a potential successor to his father Yoweri Museveni, in power in Kampala since 1986.
A current president who, even if he likes to show off his good physical condition – we saw him do push-ups during the last presidential campaign – is 77 years old.
On social networks, those close to power push the hashtag #MK2026 in reference to the year of the next election.
Admiration for Paul Kagame
Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s place in the army, as well as his position as “senior presidential adviser in charge of special operations”, make him a very serious candidate for power.
On his Twitter feed, he recently put a lot of emphasis on the reopening of the border with Rwanda, and expressed his admiration for Paul Kagame, whom he met in Kigali at the end of January. He also showed his support for Russia, saying regarding Ukraine that “Putin is absolutely right. ».
The subject of succession is delicate in Uganda. Writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija recently had to flee the country following derogatory comments. He had previously been arrested and tortured for mocking the president’s son on social media.
