Leaders of the opposition parties have criticized President Yoweri Museveni for promoting Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and later apologizing for his latest actions on Twitter.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the president expressed remorse for the first son’s tweets as former Commander of the UPDF Land Forces against neighboring Kenya.
Notable among a string of tweets is Muhoozi’s threats to seize Nairobi, Kenya within a period of two weeks. Consequently, Muhoozi was dropped as CLF and replaced. He was however promoted from Lt General to a full four-star General, the highest rank in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, (UPDF).
In his apology, the President explained why Muhoozi was promoted despite his actions.
"This is a time-tested formula –discourage the negative and encourage the positive. Very sorry, ndugu zetu Wakenya. Also sorry to the Ugandans who could have been annoyed by one of their officials meddling in the affairs of brother Kenya, It is not correct for Public officers, be they civilian or military, to comment or interfere in any way, in the internal affairs of brother countries"
— Museveni wrote on Wednesday
However, a section of opposition leaders is asking the president to demote the general from his new rank.
The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga says tougher measures need to be imposed on the general.
“We acknowledge the Apology by Gen. Yoweri Museveni on behalf of his errant and out-of-sorts son, his apology falls short of punitive measures. We are concerned that during the heat of the storm, Mr. Museveni chose to promote his son to a four-star General, the highest rank in the UPDF,”
— Mpuuga said.
He added that the President acted recklessly by promoting Muhoozi.
“By promoting his erratic and careless son, Mr. Museveni is showing no concern for the reputation of a national army, which needs insulation from erratic and dangerous behavior more so from one of its top officers. The behavior of Gen. Muhoozi, which is no secret to many Ugandans, should offer a sobering reflection as to what is required to promote men in uniform beyond blood relations,”
— Mpuuga added in a statement.
On his part, Dr. Kiiza Besigye feared that history would repeat itself referring to 46 years ago when former President Idi Amin made threats to invade Kenyan territories.
National Unity Platform (NUP) boss Robert Kyagulanyi wondered if the President will also account and apologize for reportedly abducted Ugandans.
“I asked who apologizes to the countless people he abducts and tortures with reckless abandon. Who ensures they will get justice? God willing there will be accountability for those crimes,” he asked
Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) chief and former Army Commander in the UPDF, Gregory Mugisha Muntu said the president acted from a difficult position.
“The President is stuck between a hard place and a rock because of the critical nature of the relationship between Uganda and Kenyan President William Ruto. He retained Gen Muhoozi as a Special Presidential Advisor and made him general to please people within the army,“ he said
