The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi has no kind word for the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba following his statements that ruled out any possible civilian Head of State for Uganda after the reign of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Ssenyonyi said that Gen. Muhoozi’s statement is treasonous, more so as it comes from a high ranking military official of his stature.
“In a serious country, this would be a treasonous statement, especially coming from someone who commands the country’s defence forces,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added, “This errant UPDF officer is the one supposed to be appearing before the General Court Martial, not people like Olivia Lutaaya,” referring to ongoing military prosecutions.
Gen. Muhoozi had earlier taken to X (formerly Twitter) to make the controversial post, asserting that the country’s security forces would not allow a civilian to lead Uganda after Museveni’s tenure.
“No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Muhoozi wrote.
The statement has sparked debate across the political landscape, with many interpreting it as a direct challenge to Uganda’s democratic processes and civilian governance.
The opposition, led by Ssenyonyi, argues that such remarks undermine Uganda’s constitution, which provides for free and fair elections and does not prescribe military rule.
Muhoozi’s post comes after a series of controversial tweets in which he announced that he would not run for president in the 2026 elections, a position he had previously hinted at.
“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on His army first. So I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections,” Muhoozi wrote.
The general, who has long been rumored to be preparing to succeed his father, has in recent months spearheaded countrywide mobilization tours through the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which he chairs.
His decision to step aside from the 2026 race has raised questions about the future of Uganda’s leadership, with political commentators speculating that President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, may seek a seventh term.
Ssenyonyi, however, emphasized that Uganda’s future must be determined by the people, not military commands.
“Ugandans should be free to elect their leaders without interference from the security forces,” he said, adding that Gen Muhoozi’s statements were a clear indication of a worrying trend in the country’s governance.
As the political debate intensifies, many are left questioning the implications of Muhoozi’s statement and what it means for Uganda’s 2026 elections.
President Museveni has yet to publicly declare whether he will run again, but political observers suggest that his return to the ballot is highly likely.