Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to leave the country's top military position after two years, raising speculation about his political future.
In a statement on Friday, November 6, Muhoozi said he had accomplished the responsibilities he 'believed God had assigned him' and was preparing to hand over the office to another qualified military officer.
“My time as CDF is coming to an end. I have accomplished all the tasks my God gave me. In a few months, I will hand over this office to a qualified officer. I shall dedicate my life to Christ after that,” he stated.
However, Muhoozi clarified that his departure would not happen immediately, assuring Ugandans that he would remain in the military for at least another year.
Photo of UPDF General and son of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Daily Monitor
In a series of statements on Friday, November 6, the military chief also made a fresh commitment to improve the welfare of ordinary soldiers, proposing a significant salary increase for junior officers before leaving the military.
“Don't worry, I'm still around. At least for another year. My heroes have always been UPDF soldiers. We are struggling to improve their accommodation,” Muhoozi said.
“But now, as I prepare to leave the military, every UPDF private must be paid Ush2,000,000 (about Ksh64,220) as his basic salary. This must start in the next financial year,” he added.
Muhoozi went ahead to defend his leadership style as the head of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, arguing that the position required a strong military commander rather than a diplomat.
President Yoweri Museveni appointed Muhoozi to the position on March 21, 2024, replacing General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who was subsequently appointed Trade Minister.
Prior to his appointment to the helm of the country's military, Muhoozi had been a member of Uganda's defence forces since 1999, after attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Before becoming CDF, he commanded the Special Forces Command, served as Commander of Land Forces and later became Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.
His announcement comes against the backdrop of widespread speculation that he could succeed his father, Museveni, who has governed Uganda for about 40 years, since 1986.
In August this year, Muhoozi announced his plans to vie for the country's top leadership position in 2031 after his father steps down.
From right: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Uganda's Military Commander in Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Photo
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