For a long time now, rumor has been making rounds that President Museveni is grooming his son Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to succeed him when he finally hands over the mantle of Uganda’s highest office.
However, while appearing in an exclusive interview with French television, France 24, the NRM boss trashed the allegations.
Mr Museveni said that there is no reason why he would force his son on Ugandans if they don’t want him.
According to the President, Ugandans reserve the right to choose who they want and that’s what will happen when he retires.
“The people spreading these rumors are not serious. Why would I groom my son? Ugandans are there and will select who they want to lead them.” Mr Museveni said after he had been questioned about the allegations.
The rumors gained public attention after former intelligence chief Gen David Sejusa talked about it.
This has even led to people doubting Muhoozi’s promotions in the army where he is now the commander of the Land Forces.
However, the first son in 2016 also denied knowledge of any Muhoozi project maintaining that he doesn’t even harbor presidential ambitions.
“It doesn’t exist. I don’t know about it. I don’t have even have any ambition to be president. I’m very happy in the military and that’s where I intend to be.” Muhoozi said.
However, the project of him succeeding his father has gained momentum in different circles and even on social media with some groups dubbing him Uganda’s next President.
Mr Museveni also talked about the issue of the Afghan refugees who started arriving in the country a few weeks ago on the request of the US.
Gen Museveni said that first and foremost this is humanitarian cause and the US will be handling them therefore they pose no security threat to the country.
He also said that the US had gone to fight other ‘people’s wars’ saying that these external forces are sometimes not needed in the internal issues of other groups because they distort the internal picture of the situation.
Asked about Bobi Wine who was his biggest opponent in the recently concluded presidential election, Mr Museveni said that he was ready to dialogue with him.
He however stated that Bobi Wine got defeated after being recruited by external players.
Museveni said that he was not afraid of Bobi Wine because even after the NUP principal cheating the election, NRM defeated him.
