Retired army officer and veteran politician General Kahinda Otafiire has spoken out against the idea of President Yoweri Museveni handing over power to his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a recent interview, Otafiire said this would go against the democratic principles that he and many others fought for during the war that started over 40 years ago in Luwero.
Otafiire said he has known Muhoozi since he was a child and has nothing personal against him. However, he strongly disagrees with the idea of power being passed from father to son, like in a royal family.
“Uganda is not a kingdom,” he said. “We didn’t fight in the bush for power to stay in one family.”
Many people in Uganda are now talking about whether President Museveni is preparing Muhoozi to become the next president. Although there has been no official announcement, Muhoozi has been appearing more in public and talking about political issues, which has caused concern.
Otafiire warned that making leadership a family affair could lead to Uganda becoming more like a monarchy than a republic. He said leaders should be chosen through fair and open elections, not selected from one family or close group.
He also called on Ugandans to protect democracy by standing up for accountability, equal rights, and respect for the Constitution.
“Uganda belongs to all of us,” he said. “The people should choose its future not a few people behind closed doors.”
Otafiire’s comments show that even some members of the ruling party are uneasy about the direction the country might be heading.
