President Yoweri Museveni has marked the 52nd birthday of his son and Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with a detailed message blending family reflection, political history, and praise for his role in the military.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, Africans, and the youth—popularly referred to as “Bazzukulu”—Museveni opened by expressing gratitude for his children and acknowledging the role of First Lady Janet Museveni in raising them during turbulent years of the liberation struggle.
“I am sending out this message to, first of all, thank God for giving Maama and myself our wonderful children… protecting them and prospering them,” Museveni stated. He added, “I want to thank Maama for looking after them especially for the years 1981–86 when she was the only parent near them.”
The Ugandan leader also used the occasion to commend his children for their individual achievements, noting their success in education, careers, and family life.
However, his message placed particular emphasis on General Muhoozi, whom he described as having played a significant role in Uganda’s military development.
“Gen. Muhoozi has made significant contribution to fighting corruption in the Army and increasing the lethality of the UPDF,” Museveni said, linking his son’s military leadership to broader institutional reforms within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
The President further framed Muhoozi’s life within the context of Uganda’s historical liberation struggle, stating that his children were “born in the resistance” and “grew up in the resistance,” a period that shaped their outlook and contributions to national service.
Providing a personal narrative, Museveni recounted the circumstances surrounding Muhoozi’s birth on April 24, 1974, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He described how Janet Museveni was taken to hospital by a Dutch friend and how he later informed Mozambican revolutionary leader Samora Machel about the birth.
“He picked the phone, but advised me to ring him another day because on that day he was busy following the great news of the anti-fascist Revolution… in Portugal,” Museveni said, referring to the Carnation Revolution.
The President described the coincidence as symbolic, linking his son’s birth to major global political developments at the time.
He extended this theme to his other children, drawing parallels between their birth dates and significant historical events, including World War II Victory Day and the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Beyond family reflections, Museveni acknowledged the support of Ugandans and other Africans in sustaining his political movement over the years. “I thank the Ugandans and some of the Africans for standing with and supporting our family and Political movement,” he said.
He concluded the message with a congratulatory note to Muhoozi, his wife, children, and siblings, marking the milestone as both a personal and national moment.
“Congratulations Muogi, his wife, children and siblings on this milestone,” Museveni stated, signing off in a familial tone as “Ampa (Grandpa).”
The message comes amid continued public interest in General Muhoozi’s role within Uganda’s military and political landscape, where he remains a prominent and closely watched figure.