George Williams, 24th March 2024
Following the appointment of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the Chief of Defense Forces and also the appointment of his key people into cabinet, it has become more clear that General Muhoozi is going to be the next President of Uganda
First of all he is the only Chief of Defense Forces who has been given powers of the Commander in Chief following the signing of UPDF instrument 2021 by President Museveni where he delegated his Commander in Chief powers to the chief of Defense Forces now Gen Muhoozi.
It should be noted that there is a precedent that has been set whereby former Chief of Defense Forces are appointed in cabinet even when they have not retired from the Army. Among the chief of Defense Forces who went to Cabinet without retiring from the Army is Gen Jeje Odong, late General Aronda Nyakirima, Gen Edward Katumba, Wamala, Gen David Muhoozi and now Gen Mbadi who have been appointed as well.
So by Parliament approving all these generals into cabinet when they have not retired from the Army but also given that UPDF has members of parliament who are serving in Parliament that means that a serving Soldier can also serve in any political position including being a President.
For example, in 2025 the President could decide to to appoint Gen Muhoozi in cabinet minister and since Parliament has approved all the previous serving officers into cabinet they cannot refuse or failed approve General MK if he was appointed into cabinet.
Being appointed into cabinet means that General MK can be made even a Vice President and take note that all you need to approve a vice President is a simple majority of all Members of Parliament. Also take note that the majority of the Members of Parliament are not only NRM but also have endorsed General Muhoozi. The Speaker and Deputy have also endorsed Gen Muhoozi for being the next President.
So if Gen Muhoozi is appointed Vice President and approved by Parliament it means that President Museveni at any time can resign for any reason and that would mean that General MK would automatically become the president for the next 6 months.
Here Gen Muhoozi can organize elections like any other incumbent and he would be able to win them given that the state institutions would be in his hands just like it is the case with his father.
It is also possible to amend the Constitution that in case the President dies or resigns or is impeached the Vice President should take over until the entire time of office ends just like it was the case in Tanzania when the late President Magufuli died and his Vice President Samia Suluhu took over to complete the entire political time.
In this case President Museveni may contest for elections in 2026 which he will most likely win with an overwhelming majority given the fractions and wars within the opposition currently and then after winning this election he can appoint a cabinet which includes General Muhoozi as a Vice President and then he can resign paving way for Gen Muhoozi to take over who would complete his five year term of office.
Now after becoming a President he would resign from the army if he so wishes in any case he would be the Commander in Chief.
So Ugandans should be ready for Gen Muhoozi as the next President of Uganda because everything is in his favor!
