First son and chief of defence forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has hinted on a plan for his uncle Caleb Akandwanaho aka Gen Salim Saleh to succeed Museveni. As Muhoozi hints on Salim Saleh succeeding Museveni, Uganda’s transition puzzle seems to get a bit more complicated.
Gen Salim Saleh Museveni’s younger brother. He formerly served as minister and military officer, and now heads Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
While most political observers consider Gen Muhoozi the crown prince, the first son seems to suggest that his uncle, who he is fond of, is the man to succeed Museveni.
Museveni, in power since 1986 after a bush war, was reelected last month to extend his rule to 45 years non-stop.
He will be 86 years by the end of his new term in 2031.
Muhoozi says he is simply like John Baptist who prepared the way for the Messiah. In his view, Gen Salim Saleh is like the messiah.
Blasphemous as the comparison may look for some people, it gives a hint on succession politics within the first family.
“I am not the Messiah. I am a voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Messiah. The Messiah is General Salim Saleh… When Mzee allows me I’m going back to join the Bachwezi in Mugore… I don’t think I am God’s anointed. I am full of defects and problems. I am a terrible sinner, unworthy of our God!” – Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces.
Gen Muhoozi and Salim Saleh are close, with the first son once saving his uncle when Museveni wanted to throw him in prison, as reported Here.
Muhoozi has also previously shared how Gen Salim Saleh aka Rufu once told him that the people he killed are waiting to welcome him to heaven. (See Details Here).
Back on succession politics, a report has claimed that Salim Saleh has capacity to remove Museveni if he wanted, as published Here.
You can read about powerful first family members reportedly interested in succeeding Museveni Here and There.
