Cabinet reshuffle: President Museveni appoints son as Uganda’s army commander

In a move likely to trigger intense political debate, Uganda‘s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the country’s new army commander.

This appointment, made during a cabinet reshuffle late on Thursday, is bound to intensify speculation regarding the president’s succession plans.

Gen Kainerugaba, previously serving as a senior presidential adviser overseeing special operations, steps into his new role amidst the removal of five ministers from their positions. Notably, Gen Wilson Mbadi has been replaced by Kainerugaba and appointed as the new trade minister.

President Museveni’s cabinet reshuffle also witnessed the elevation of two of Gen Kainerugaba’s closest advisors to ministerial positions, further underlining the strategic shifts within the administration.

The reshuffle, however, did not spare controversy, as embattled Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu was dismissed from her post amid ongoing corruption allegations. In her place, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding was appointed as the deputy army chief, succeeding Gen Peter Elwelu, who has been reassigned as one of President Museveni’s senior advisers.

Critics have raised concerns over Gen Kainerugaba’s recent involvement in political rallies across the country, arguing that such activities breach military discipline codes. These actions have fueled suspicions of Museveni grooming his eldest son, aged 49, to succeed him—a notion the president vehemently denies.

President Museveni, in power since 1986, faces accusations of aiming to establish a monarchic rule through the potential succession of Gen Kainerugaba. However, he refutes such claims, emphasizing the democratic processes within the country.

The appointment of Gen Kainerugaba comes ahead of Uganda’s general elections slated for 2026, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape as speculation and anticipation surrounding succession plans continue to mount.