Kampala, Uganda: Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire has publicly declared that while he respects Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a person and as President Museveni’s son, he does not support him becoming Uganda’s next president, remarks that have triggered a sharp backlash from Muhoozi’s loyalists.
Speaking on 91.2 Crooze FM over the weekend, Otafiire stated: “I do not hate Kainerugaba as a person. I simply do not want him as President of Uganda. I respect and love Kainerugaba as the son of Museveni, but I do not support Kainerugaba as president, and I make that position openly and without apology.”
His comments immediately ignited reactions across social media, particularly among supporters of Muhoozi, who has been widely discussed as a potential successor to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, though he has not formally declared a presidential bid.
Mwesigye Franks, a diehard supporter of gen Muhoozi and a PLU fanatic, accused Otafiire of being evasive and challenged him to clearly articulate the reasons behind his opposition.
“It is dishonest to claim you love Gen. Muhoozi while actively opposing his presidential ambition. If that love is genuine, then clearly state the reasons,” Mwesigye wrote, adding that any decision on leadership belongs to voters, not individual politicians.
He further argued that Muhoozi, like any Ugandan citizen, has a constitutional right to contest for the presidency.
Another Muhoozi loyalist, Jonah Ruhiima, dismissed Otafiire’s remarks as personal opinion, suggesting the minister was unnecessarily amplifying a debate around a candidacy that has not been officially declared.
“It sounds like envy and hate when a full minister and MP… makes it his job to talk about Gen MK’s presidency when he has not even declared,” Ruhiima commented.
Ssebunya, another supporter, went further, alleging that Otafiire’s position stems from fear of possible anti-corruption action under a hypothetical Muhoozi administration — a claim not backed by evidence.
Old Tensions Resurface
The exchange adds to what observers describe as simmering tensions within ruling party circles over succession politics.
Gen Otafiire, a long-time historical member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has in the past expressed views suggesting leadership should not be predetermined by lineage.
Muhoozi, currently serving as Chief of Defence Forces, commands a vocal youth-leaning support base that has actively campaigned for his potential presidential run. While Muhoozi himself has not formally announced a candidacy, public endorsements and mobilisation efforts by his supporters have kept succession debates alive within Uganda’s political landscape.
Other commentators note that the exchange may signal deeper undercurrents within NRM ranks as questions about post-Museveni leadership continue to surface.
Sitati Wasilwa, reacting to the debate, suggested that internal alignments among historical figures could shape future succession dynamics.
“Perhaps an early glimpse of what awaits Uganda in light of Museveni’s succession. Museveni’s past/present ‘comrades’ are likely to coalesce and have their preferred successor to Museveni rather than Muhoozi. Rapture?” he says.
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Kampala, Uganda: Internal Affairs Minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire has publicly declared that while he respects Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a person and as President Museveni’s son, he does not support him becoming Uganda’s next president, remarks that have triggered a sharp backlash from Muhoozi’s loyalists.
Speaking on 91.2 Crooze FM over the weekend, Otafiire stated: “I do not hate Kainerugaba as a person. I simply do not want him as President of Uganda. I respect and love Kainerugaba as the son of Museveni, but I do not support Kainerugaba as president, and I make that position openly and without apology.”
His comments immediately ignited reactions across social media, particularly among supporters of Muhoozi, who has been widely discussed as a potential successor to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, though he has not formally declared a presidential bid.
Mwesigye Franks, a diehard supporter of gen Muhoozi and a PLU fanatic, accused Otafiire of being evasive and challenged him to clearly articulate the reasons behind his opposition.
“It is dishonest to claim you love Gen. Muhoozi while actively opposing his presidential ambition. If that love is genuine, then clearly state the reasons,” Mwesigye wrote, adding that any decision on leadership belongs to voters, not individual politicians.
He further argued that Muhoozi, like any Ugandan citizen, has a constitutional right to contest for the presidency.
Another Muhoozi loyalist, Jonah Ruhiima, dismissed Otafiire’s remarks as personal opinion, suggesting the minister was unnecessarily amplifying a debate around a candidacy that has not been officially declared.
“It sounds like envy and hate when a full minister and MP… makes it his job to talk about Gen MK’s presidency when he has not even declared,” Ruhiima commented.
Ssebunya, another supporter, went further, alleging that Otafiire’s position stems from fear of possible anti-corruption action under a hypothetical Muhoozi administration — a claim not backed by evidence.
Old Tensions Resurface
The exchange adds to what observers describe as simmering tensions within ruling party circles over succession politics.
Gen Otafiire, a long-time historical member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has in the past expressed views suggesting leadership should not be predetermined by lineage.
Muhoozi, currently serving as Chief of Defence Forces, commands a vocal youth-leaning support base that has actively campaigned for his potential presidential run. While Muhoozi himself has not formally announced a candidacy, public endorsements and mobilisation efforts by his supporters have kept succession debates alive within Uganda’s political landscape.
Other commentators note that the exchange may signal deeper undercurrents within NRM ranks as questions about post-Museveni leadership continue to surface.
Sitati Wasilwa, reacting to the debate, suggested that internal alignments among historical figures could shape future succession dynamics.
“Perhaps an early glimpse of what awaits Uganda in light of Museveni’s succession. Museveni’s past/present ‘comrades’ are likely to coalesce and have their preferred successor to Museveni rather than Muhoozi. Rapture?” he says.
Related
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.