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A FAMILY AFFAIR: President Museveni, son Muhoozi, Museveni’s wife Janet

Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, is facing criticism that he is preparing his son to get the presidency after giving him control of the elite president guard.

Museveni’s son, Lt Col Kainerugaba Muhoozi, already commands a Special Forces unit.

"He's making the Ugandan presidency a monarchical affair and is clearly anointing his son to succeed him," opposition spokesman Hussein Kyanjo told the BBC.

But Army spokesman Felix Kulaigye rejected the criticism, telling Reuters news agency:

"Muhoozi didn't commit any crime by being the son of the president. He's an individual Ugandan with rights including contesting for the presidency if he wants.”

This is not the first time Museveni, who is up for re-election next year, has faced accusations of nepotism. Several of Museveni’s relatives hold senior positions, including wife, Janet Museveni, who is Minister for Karamoja region; daughter, Natasha Karugire, who is Private Secretary to the president and brother, Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, who is senior Presidential advisor on defence.

Published: 31 December 1979
Issue: 1413

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