By : Lloyd Mahachi
Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his departure from the social media platform X. This move comes after nearly a decade of active engagement on the platform, during which he cultivated a significant following and frequently stirred public discourse with his often provocative and sometimes inflammatory posts.
Gen Kainerugaba’s decision to leave X is guided by a renewed focus on his military duties, citing divine guidance as a factor in his decision. In a heartfelt farewell message posted to his over 1 million followers, he reflected on the journey he shared with his followers, describing it as “a great whirlwind and rousing journey together on these streets for the last 10 years since 2014.”
The general’s time on X was marked by a mix of personal reflections, political commentary, and occasionally incendiary statements. He sparked widespread outrage with a tweet threatening to behead the country’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, and previously made headlines for discussing an invasion of neighboring Kenya. Despite the backlash, Gen Kainerugaba has often used X to advocate for regional cooperation and diplomacy, positioning himself as a proponent of Pan-African unity.
Gen Kainerugaba’s departure from X has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment and others interpreting his decision as a strategic move in light of his growing political and military profile. As the son of Uganda’s long-serving president, Gen Kainerugaba is seen as a possible successor, although Museveni has denied grooming him for the presidency.
The general’s ascent to power has been dubbed the “Muhoozi Project” by local media, and he has been holding rallies, mobilizing support around the country. Despite criticism, Gen Kainerugaba remains a significant figure in Ugandan politics, and his influence is unlikely to wane anytime soon. As he signs off from X, he urges his followers to continue supporting his father, whom he refers to as “the greatest general of the resistance”.
Gen Kainerugaba’s legacy on X is complex. At some point, he had used the platform to engage with his followers, share his thoughts on regional and global issues, and promote his vision for Uganda’s future. On the other hand, his inflammatory statements and perceived disregard for diplomatic protocol have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.
As Gen Kainerugaba departs from X, many are left wondering what the future holds for this charismatic and ambitious military leader. Will he continue to play a prominent role in Ugandan politics, or will he focus on his military duties? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Gen Kainerugaba’s influence will continue to be felt in Uganda and beyond.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
