A political warning issued by Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye in 2005 has resurfaced with renewed urgency as General Muhoozi Kainerugaba increasingly signals interest in succeeding his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
At the time, Uganda was transitioning back to multiparty politics ahead of the 2006 general election.
Besigye, who had just returned from exile to challenge Museveni, alleged that the president was laying the groundwork for a long-term succession plan centred on his son.
He pointed to what he described as fast-tracked military promotions and elite training, warning that Muhoozi was being positioned to eventually take control of the armed forces as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Besigye argued that consolidating military command under a family member could pave the way for political succession, raising concerns about the militarisation of power and the emergence of dynastic leadership in Uganda.
Nearly two decades later, those claims have re-entered public debate following Muhoozi’s steady rise within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), culminating in his appointment as CDF.
Observers note that this trajectory mirrors the concerns raised by Besigye at the time.
Significantly, Muhoozi himself has in recent years openly hinted at his presidential ambitions. In March 2023, he publicly declared that he would run for president in the 2026 general election, a statement he has repeated on multiple occasions.
Beyond formal declarations, the general has frequently used his X (formerly Twitter) account to signal political intent.
His posts—ranging from direct statements about becoming president to broader political commentary—have reinforced perceptions that he is positioning himself as a successor.
Muhoozi’s growing political visibility, including mobilisation efforts and public messaging, has further fueled speculation about a potential transition of power within Uganda’s ruling establishment.
However, government officials and supporters continue to dismiss claims of a succession plan, insisting that Muhoozi’s rise is based on merit and professional military service.
They have also rejected assertions of dynastic ambitions, describing them as opposition-driven narratives.