Uganda’s Internal Affairs Minister, Kahinda Otafiire, has publicly distanced himself from supporting Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the presidency, making it clear that his position is political rather than personal.
“I do not hate Kainerugaba as a person. I simply do not want him as President of Uganda. I respect and love Kainerugaba as the son of Museveni, but I do not support Kainerugaba as president, and I make that position openly and without apology,” Otafiire said.
The outspoken minister stressed that his remarks should not be misconstrued as hostility toward Muhoozi, but rather as an expression of his democratic right to hold and voice a political opinion.
Separating Personal Respect from Political Choice
Otafiire, a long-serving member of government under President Yoweri Museveni, underscored the need to separate personal relationships from national leadership decisions.
He maintained that respect for an individual does not automatically translate into political endorsement.
His comments come amid ongoing public debate about Uganda’s political future and growing discussions around succession within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as a senior military officer and is widely seen as a prominent political figure, has in recent years attracted both support and criticism regarding potential presidential ambitions.
His supporters have openly promoted his leadership credentials, while others argue that any transition of power should be determined through established democratic processes.
Political analysts note that Otafiire’s remarks reflect broader conversations within political circles about leadership, generational transition, and the direction of the country.
Otafiire concluded by reaffirming that his stance is firm and transparent, stating that he has no apology to make for expressing his view.
The statement is expected to further fuel national discussion as Uganda continues to navigate conversations about its political leadership and future governance.
