The Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces – UPDF President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Gen Muhoozi Keinerugaba as the new Chief of Defence Forces replacing Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi who has held the position for four years.

Muhoozi’s appointment was announced on Thursday night following the news of the reshuffle in the Cabinet that saw the former Chief of Defence Forces Gen Mbadi transferred to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

The announcement has since sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Some have termed it as a continuation of family legacy, a passing of the torch from father to son. Others see it as a consolidation of power within the Museveni dynasty, raising concerns about nepotism and the erosion of democratic principles.

Muhoozi Keinerugaba, a decorated military officer in his own right, has risen through the ranks with a blend of skill, ambition, and the unmistakable shadow of his father’s influence. He is no stranger to controversy or scrutiny, yet his supporters under the Patriotic League of Uganda praise his leadership potential and commitment to the nation’s security.

He joined the UPDF in 1999 at the rank of officer cadet and graduated in 2000 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the British Army’s officer training school.

He quickly rose with in ranks and by 2011, he was promoted to Colonel, a decision which didn’t sit well with the NRA historicals.

In early 2012 Muhoozi enrolled at the South African National Defence College for the Executive National Security Program. In August 2012 he was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Commander Special Forces Command – SFC.

In 2013 and 2014 Muhoozi was one of the senior UPDF commanders who deployed to South Sudan to support the Government of South Sudan after fighting broke out in Juba between rival factions of the SPLA.

In 2017 Muhoozi was appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, a position he held until December 2020. He has been commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) from 2008 to 2017, and again from December 2020 to 2021.

In February 2019, President Museveni, promoted him to the rank of Lt. General, the second-highest rank in the UPDF army after general.

In June 2021, Muhoozi was appointed Commander of UPDF Land Forces, taking over from Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu who was then named Deputy CDF.

In October 2022, he was dropped from his position as the Commander for Land Forces and promoted to the rank of General, a rank he is currently holding.