
Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his departure from the social media platform X.
The general, known for his provocative tweets, cited a renewed commitment to his military responsibilities as the driving force behind his decision.
At 50, Gen Kainerugaba has garnered significant attention in both political and military circles, often crossing the lines of military protocol by engaging in political discourse. His recent tweets, particularly one in which he threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine, have sparked widespread outrage and reignited speculation about his political ambitions, which many believe include a bid for the presidency.
In his final post, he expressed gratitude to his one million followers and emphasized his intent to refocus on his role within the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). “Time has now come to leave and concentrate on my military duties,” he stated, while also hinting at a future return to the platform.
This is not the first time Gen Kainerugaba has stepped away from X; he previously deactivated his account in 2022, only to return shortly thereafter. His controversial remarks have drawn criticism from various quarters, especially his comments about military actions against neighboring Kenya and his alignment with Russia during the Ukraine conflict.
Despite the backlash, President Museveni has come to his son’s defense, praising his capabilities as a military leader. Government officials have downplayed Kainerugaba’s remarks, labeling them as personal opinions rather than official statements.
In his farewell message, the general attributed his decision to leave social media to his faith, declaring, “It is on the instructions and blessings of my Lord Jesus Christ that I leave this social media.” He encouraged his followers to continue supporting his father, whom he referred to as “the greatest general of the resistance.”
Gen Kainerugaba’s rise within the military has been swift, often referred to in local media as the “Muhoozi Project.” While many view him as a potential successor to his father, Museveni has publicly dismissed claims of grooming his son for the presidency.
As he signs off from X, the general expressed his appreciation for the journey he has shared with his followers over the past decade, stating, “I know you all love me, and that you will continue to follow me like the wind long after here.”
The unfolding narrative surrounding Gen Kainerugaba continues to attract attention, leaving many to wonder what his next move will be in a politically charged environment.