The first son and commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly asked Ugandans to support his father, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the general elections that are set for January 15, 2026.
This has caused a tremendous reaction among Ugandans. Muhoozi urged voters to grant his father another term while praising his long tenure in office.
He added that Museveni’s leadership had brought stability and development to Uganda and that re-electing him would ensure further advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.Since 1986, President Museveni has held office.
He will serve an additional five-year term if re-elected, extending his reign to more than 40 years.Many Ugandans are more worried about who delivered the message, even though the message itself is not out of the ordinary during a political season.
In addition to being the president’s son, Gen. Muhoozi is currently leading the country’s army. The military is required by law and custom to maintain its political neutrality.
Opponents contend that public confidence in the army’s impartiality is undermined when a senior army general publicly supports one candidate, particularly the current president.
Many social media users accused Muhoozi of misusing his position and fusing politics with military power. Some worry that this could unfairly affect the election atmosphere or intimidate voters.
However, Muhoozi’s stance is defended by President Museveni’s supporters. They contend that he had the same right to voice his political views as any Ugandan and that he was speaking as a son and a citizen rather than a soldier.
The debate has brought up important issues regarding the separation of the military and politics as Uganda approaches the 2026 elections. Both domestic and foreign observers are keeping a close eye on the upcoming months, which are predicted to be contentious.
By Nairobi