Godfrey Olukya
10 May 2022•Update: 10 May 2022
KAMPALA, Uganda
A legal challenge to Uganda’s first son entering politics while still wearing a military uniform got support on Tuesday from a major opposition party.
The case involves Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, who is alleged to have entered politics while remaining in the military, blurring the line between politics and military service, in violation of the law. The military has denied the allegations.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, spokesman for the Forum For Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s second-biggest opposition party, said in an interview Tuesday: "We thank lawyer Tegule Gawaya for filing the case. The conduct of Muhoozi goes against the constitution and the Uganda People's Defense Forces Act."
On Sunday Nganda told reporters: ”The first son Muhoozi Kainerugaba is moving around the country campaigning under the guise of a birthday party. He should be charged in a court martial for joining politics while still in the army.’’ He accused Museveni of grooming his son to be the next president while Kainerugaba is still in uniform.
The nation's next presidential elections are set for 2026.
But Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, Uganda army spokesman, denied that the first son is engaging in politics. He told Anadolu Agency: “I have not seen him campaigning anywhere in the country therefore I see no need of him being taken to court martial.’’
He said that Muhoozi is simply holding birthday parties where he invites young people. He said that when during the party Muhoozi comments about what young people are going through, he is not campaigning politically.
Muhoozi marked his 48th birthday on April 24 in Uganda's capital Kampala but he has since been holding extended birthday parties in other places where he is invited by his supporters.
