Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has previously called for a fair and competitive political process in determining Uganda’s future leadership, saying Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba should be judged on his own abilities rather than his relationship with President Yoweri Museveni.
In an archived statement, Otafiire argued that Muhoozi should be given the opportunity to compete like any other Ugandan and demonstrate to the electorate that he is capable of leading the country on his own merit.
“Let there be fair competition, including Gen. Muhoozi. Let him prove to Ugandans that he is capable, not as Museveni’s son but as he, Muhoozi, who is competent to manage the country,” Otafiire said, according to an Associated Press report that cited his remarks to NBS.
Otafiire’s position has been part of his longstanding public comments on the question of political succession in Uganda. In earlier interviews, he maintained that Muhoozi has a democratic right to participate in politics, but argued that any attempt to take over the presidency should follow established electoral procedures.
In a 2022 interview with Daily Monitor, Otafiire said that if Muhoozi chose to compete politically, he should be allowed to do so, stressing that participation in politics is a democratic right.
The comments have gained renewed attention amid the continuing public debate over Muhoozi’s political ambitions and Uganda’s future leadership. Muhoozi, the President’s son and current Chief of Defence Forces, has for years been the subject of speculation and discussion over a possible future presidential bid.
Otafiire has repeatedly distinguished between his personal relationship with Muhoozi and his position on a possible Muhoozi presidency. In 2024, he said he did not personally hate Muhoozi but opposed the idea of him becoming president.
His latest remarks therefore frame the issue around competition, individual merit and the electorate’s choice, rather than simply Muhoozi’s family background.
HIGHLIGHTS
Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has called for fair competition in Uganda’s political succession debate.
He said Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba should prove his leadership ability on his own merit.
Otafiire has previously acknowledged Muhoozi’s right to participate in politics.
His criticism has focused on a potential Muhoozi presidency rather than a personal opposition to Muhoozi.
The comments come amid continued public discussion about Uganda’s future political leadership.
TAKEAWAY
Otafiire’s position is that Muhoozi should be assessed through the same democratic and competitive process as other political aspirants, with voters ultimately determining their choice through elections.
