Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing him as a product of Uganda’s liberation struggle and commending his contribution to strengthening the military.
In a message shared via his official X Handle on Friday to mark Gen Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday, the President reflected on family, history, and the role of the “resistance generation” in shaping the country’s trajectory.
“I want to congratulate Gen. Muhoozi on this 52nd birthday. These children, in particular Muhoozi, were born in the resistance, grew up in the resistance, and, in various ways, have made significant contribution to the resistance,” Museveni said.
He credited the senior army officer with playing a key role in improving discipline within the military. “Gen. Muhoozi has made significant contribution to fighting corruption in the Army and increasing the lethality of the UPDF,” he noted.
The President also used the occasion to thank First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni for raising their children during the years of armed struggle between 1981 and 1986. “I want to thank Maama for looking after them, especially for the years 1981–86 when she was the only parent near them,” Museveni said.
He further expressed gratitude to Ugandans and Africans who have supported his family and the ruling political movement over the years.
Museveni shared a personal anecdote explaining why he often refers to his son as “Muogi,” attributing it to pronunciation challenges by former Ugandan leader Tito Okello, who struggled with the name “Muhoozi” while they lived in exile in Dar es Salaam.
“Being a traditional Acholi, he had a problem with pronouncing the ‘z’ in Muhoozi’s name. Hence, the Muogi,” Museveni recounted.
Gen Muhoozi, a senior figure in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has played prominent roles in Uganda’s security establishment and continues to feature in national political and military discourse.
Below is Museveni’s full Birthday Message to Gen Muhoozi
Greetings, fellow Ugandans, fellow Africans and especially, the Bazzukulu.
I am sending out this message to, first of all, thank God for giving Maama and myself our wonderful children: Muhoozi (Muogi), Natasha (Kukuru), Patience (Pusi) and Kyaremeera (Kyinini)., protecting them and prospering them. Secondly, I want to thank Maama for looking after them especially for the years 1981-86 when she was the only parent near them. Thirdly, I salute the children for going through the school systems and branching out successfully in the different fields of life – family, career, etc.
Fourthly, I thank the Ugandans and some of the Africans for standing with and supporting our family and Political movement in the various endeavours we have been undertaking with them.
On this occasion, on the 24th of April 2026, I want to congratulate Gen. Muhoozi (Muogi) on this 52nd birthday. These children, in particular Muhoozi, were born in the resistance, grew up in the resistance, and, in various ways, have made significant contribution to the resistance. Gen. Muhoozi has made significant contribution to fighting corruption in the Army and increasing the lethality of the UPDF.
I always call Muhoozi Muogi. It is because our neighbour in Upanga, Dar-es-Salaam, was Mzee Tito Okello (Gen). Being a traditional Acholi, he had a problem with pronouncing the “z” in Muhoozi’s name. Hence, the Muogi and Maama Janet also became Maama Muogi.
Tito’s wife was safely Maama Jennifer, because we had no problem pronouncing Jennifer, the sister of Okello Oryem. Unfortunately, Jennifer died some years ago.
Signed:
Yoweri K. Museveni
Ampa (Grandpa)
