KAMPALA, Uganda
The lieutenant general son of Uganda's president said on Tuesday he had retired from the military, in a move widely seen as preparing the ground for a potential run for the presidency in 2026.
Critics of President Yoweri
Museveni say Muhoozi Kainerugaba who has been in the military for more than 20
years, was rushed through the ranks by his father. Many Ugandans believe
Kainerugaba is being groomed to succeed Museveni.
"After 28 years of
service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy
to announce my retirement," Kainerugaba said on Twitter on Tuesday,
without giving reasons for his retirement.
Museveni,77, who has ruled the
east African country since 1986, has repeatedly denied accusations he wanted to
hand over power to his son, although Kainerugaba's supporters say he has a
right to seek the country's presidency like any other citizen.
Kainerugaba, a prolific
Twitter user who expressed his support for Russia after its invasion of
Ukraine, this year helped mend Uganda's strained relations with neighbouring
Rwanda after travelling to Kigali and meeting President Paul Kagame.
Supporters of Kainerugaba, 47,
have been pressing a campaign on social media and elsewhere for him to stand in
2026, although he has not publicly declared any intention to run for office.
Ugandan law forbids soldiers from participating in politics.
Human rights groups, Ugandan
opposition and government critics have long accused his father of using the
military to keep himself in power through intimidating and jailing his opponents.
Museveni was re-elected in
January last year, beating pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Wine rejected
the result, alleging widespread irregularities.
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