Portrait of Muhoozi Kainerugaba: a general with a controversial career
At 48 years old, Muhoozi Kainerugaba occupies a strategic place within the Ugandan army. The son of President Yoweri Museveni, he is seen as his potential successor, despite the country’s laws prohibiting active-duty military officers from engaging in politics.
The recent announcement of his appointment as head of the armed forces has sparked heated debates, particularly because of some controversial positions taken in the past. Indeed, Muhoozi Kainerugaba had already made headlines by threatening to invade Kenya in publications on social networks.
In the current geopolitical context, his statements in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin also sparked reactions. By asserting that “the majority of humanity (non-whites) supports Russia’s position in Ukraine”, Kainerugaba has stoked tensions and raised questions about his vision of international relations.
Beyond his military career, Muhoozi Kainerugaba maintains turbulent relations with the Ugandan opposition, engaging in verbal jousting and rallying political support through a pressure group he created. This political communication strategy, although criticized by some, testifies to his ambitions and his determination to play a major role in Uganda’s political future.
The appointment of Muhoozi Kainerugaba as head of the Ugandan army therefore raises crucial questions about the future of the country and the fragile balance between political and military power. His atypical and controversial career continues to fuel debates within Ugandan society, illustrating the complex issues surrounding presidential succession and the functioning of institutions in this East African country.