Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has spoken out on the Museveni succession paper delivered to the National Resistance Movement’s Central Executive Committee, as questions about the country’s political future and his own ambitions continue to attract attention.
The document, presented by President Yoweri Museveni to the NRM CEC, has drawn interest because of the president’s long tenure in power and growing public discussion about who could eventually succeed him. Museveni has led Uganda since 1986, making the question of leadership transition a recurring issue in national politics.
The NRM CEC, one of the ruling party’s key decision-making organs, brings together senior party officials to consider major political and organisational matters. A paper presented to the body can therefore attract attention beyond the party, particularly when it concerns the country’s leadership and the future direction of the ruling establishment.
The succession debate has also brought renewed focus on Muhoozi, Museveni’s son and the serving army chief, whose political ambitions have been widely discussed. Muhoozi chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), an organisation that has been mobilising support through an endorsement drive.
Against that background, Muhoozi has now directed PLU members to stop discussing the document, insisting that the matter should remain between him and his father while the organisation concentrates on securing public endorsements.
“I hereby order all PLU members to stop discussing Mzee’s paper delivered to the NRM CEC recently,” Muhoozi said.
He followed the directive with a clear instruction on what he expects from members of the organisation.
“Leave these matters to me and Mzee. Focus on the endorsements from the people,” he said.
The remarks suggest that Muhoozi wants PLU members to avoid public speculation about the paper and instead focus on the organisation’s endorsement campaign.
Muhoozi defends PLU
Beyond the succession debate, Muhoozi used his statement to praise the PLU, describing its members as courageous and fearless.
“No one can doubt the fearlessness, courage and honor of PLU!” he said.
He also invoked the organisation’s confrontation with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
“When everyone else was scared we rose up and defeated the terrorists of NUP,” Muhoozi said.
The description of NUP as terrorists was Muhoozi’s own characterisation of the opposition party.
Muhoozi ended his message with a religious declaration: “Long live Christ the King!”
His statements leave the succession paper’s contents unexplained while making clear that he does not want PLU members publicly debating it. For now, he has directed them to leave the matter to him and Museveni and concentrate on obtaining endorsements from the public.
Meanwhile, a State House official has clarified on Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions, as reported Here.
