Uganda’s Muhoozi Kainerugaba Quits X
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his departure from X (formerly Twitter) after years of sharing divisive posts.
The 50-year-old general has drawn criticism for venturing into politics, defying military protocols, and fueling speculation about his intentions to succeed his father, who has ruled since 1986.
Threats and Backlash
Muhoozi recently caused public outrage after threatening to behead opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi) in a tweet. While he later dismissed the comment as a joke and apologized, Bobi Wine expressed serious concerns over the threat.
In his farewell post on Friday, Muhoozi stated he was stepping back to focus on his military duties but hinted at returning to engage with his one million followers.
Not His First Exit
This isn’t the first time Muhoozi has left X. In 2022, he deactivated his account but resumed posting shortly after. His controversial tweets have previously stirred diplomatic tensions, including comments about invading Kenya and siding with Russia in the Ukraine war.
Government’s Reaction
The Ugandan government has dismissed Muhoozi’s statements as personal opinions, not reflective of official policy. President Museveni has defended his son, describing him as a “very good general,” while the army asserts his right to free expression.
Faith and Focus
In his farewell message, Muhoozi cited his faith as a guiding force behind his decision to leave X, emphasizing his commitment to peace and security as part of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“It is on the instructions and blessings of my Lord Jesus Christ that I leave this social media and dedicate myself to my military assignment,” he stated.
Speculation About Succession
Muhoozi’s rising influence and nationwide rallies have fueled speculation about his political ambitions, though Museveni denies grooming him for the presidency. His rapid rise in the military, labeled the “Muhoozi Project” by local media, remains a hot topic in Uganda.
Muhoozi ended his farewell post by urging followers to support his father and expressed gratitude for their decade-long journey together on social media, saying, “I know you all love me and will continue to follow me like the wind long after here.”
Uganda’s Muhoozi Kainerugaba Quits X