General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has criticised the ruling party in Uganda, saying that it no longer represents the people of the country. Kainerugaba is a major figure in the NRM party, and his comments are likely to carry significant weight within the organisation. He joins a growing chorus of voices within the party who are critical of its direction and management.
Since taking power in 1986, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda has been accused by its opponents of becoming increasingly autocratic and corrupt. In response to growing public discontent, the NRM cracked down on dissent in 2016. This has only served to further alienate the Ugandan people, who have become increasingly frustrated with the government’s lack of transparency and accountability.
Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as a potential successor to his father, has been a vocal critic of the NRM in recent months. In a series of posts on social media, he has argued that the party is out of touch with the needs of ordinary Ugandans and has called for it to be reformed.
Kainerugaba’s latest comments come amid growing speculation that he is planning to launch a political challenge to his father. In an interview, he said that he was still considering his options but that he was “not ruling out” the possibility of standing for president in the next election.
Mr Kainerugaba boasted that he is the best bet the country has for a national leader. This, according to him, is as a result of the deteriorating performance of the ruling NRM.
He told his audience that the country is in dire need of a leader who can steer it in the right direction, and that he is the man for the job. He promised to bring about change if given the chance, and urged the people to vote for him in the upcoming elections.
I am listening to the outcry of our people for change. I am with the people. Whatever NRM has become certainly does not represent the people of Uganda,” he posted on his Twitter handle on Saturday at around noon.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Uganda has been criticised for its handling of the situation. In particular, many have voiced concerns about the government’s decision to lockdown the country without providing any economic relief for those who are struggling.
It is clear that the people of Uganda are fed up with the current state of affairs and are calling for change. President Museveni must listen to the people and make the changes that they are demanding.
Muhoozi’s tweet hints at a desire for a new era in Uganda’s history, one in which he and his allies would be the ruling force. This would be the 6th republic, following the 5th republic which was established by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Muhoozi’s proposed republic would be the greatest epoch in history, implying that it would be better than all of the previous ones. This is a bold claim, but one that Muhoozi clearly feels strongly about.
With these words, Museveni’s son Muhoozi signalled his intention to lead Uganda into a new era of democracy and prosperity. The 6th republic he envisaged would be built on the foundations of the previous five, learning from their mistakes and charting a new course for the country.
This is not the first time Mr Kainerugaba is taking aim at his father. He has also previously expressed interest in replacing his father as the President of Uganda to honour his mother. Mr Kainerugaba’s father, President Yoweri Museveni, has been in power for over 30 years and is currently Uganda’s longest-serving leader. Mr Kainerugaba has been critical of his father’s government in the past, and has even called for him to step down.
In his past comments, he had hailed his mother Janet Museveni, who is also Uganda’s Education and Sports Minister, calling her an angel.
He said that his mother had been his biggest inspiration and motivation, and that she had always been there for him, even during the most difficult times.
He added that she was a very strong woman who had always fought for what was right, and that she was an example for all women in Uganda.
Kainerugaba had also revealed plans of calling for a big youth summit where he will inform the young people in the country of a big plan that he has for them. This plan, he said, would involve the youths in various sectors so as to develop the country. He said that the youths are the future and just like in any other country, they need to be well educated and informed so as to be able to take Uganda to the next level.
The Nairobi Capture
In October, Muhoozi Kainerugaba made statements claiming that he would capture Nairobi in less than two weeks. His comments sparked fears of violence and unrest, and many people began to flee the city. Mr Kainerugaba has since been arrested and is currently awaiting trial.
President Museveni’s son, Kainerugaba, sparked a diplomatic incident between Uganda and Kenya when he made several critical posts on Twitter about Kenya. Uganda’s foreign affairs ministry later issued a statement saying that Kainerugaba’s comments did not represent the views of the Ugandan government and apologising to Kenya.
Kainerugaba’s comments caused anger and consternation in Kenya, with some people calling for a boycott of Ugandan products. The incident highlights the growing importance of social media in international relations, and the potential for misuse of this powerful platform.
The ministry wishes to emphasise that the government and the people of the Republic of Uganda treasure the existing strong bilateral relationships between the people and the Government of the Republic of Kenya based on our shared history, common values, mutual respect, trust and the desire to build a unified East African Community.
“We believe that these bonds are critical to the stability, peace and prosperity of our region. We therefore call on all Ugandans to continue working together with the people and government of Kenya to strengthen these relations for the benefit of our two countries and the region as a whole”.