Newly promoted three-star General Muhoozi Keinerugaba has defended his rank saying promotion in the UPDF is based on criteria.
The First Son was among a number of senior UPDF soldiers who were decorated at military headquarters at Mbuya hill on Tuesday afternoon following their promotion last Friday by the Commander in Chief (CiC) and also Muhoozi’s father, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Muhoozi, a Lieutenant General, has previously commanded the elite unit of the military- Special Forces Command (SFC) tasked to oversee the security of the First Familiy and other strategic areas in the country.
However, at 45, Muhoozi has attained almost highest positions in the military sparking off debate among several regime critics that he is being groomed to succeed his father.
The claim has also created uneasiness in the Force with the old guard feeling disenchanted over the positions assumed by the young turks who played limited or neither role during the bush war that ushered in the regime.
Muhoozi’s current rank as Lieutenant General has resumed speculation that he could be nurtured to take over his father.
Speaking to this website after after the ceremony, Muhoozi defended his rank as “normal” adding that he was happy to be part of the “disciplined force”, the UPDF.
Pressed on to comment on the reports that he has never participated in a battle, Muhoozi declined to respond.
At 45, Muhoozi is a three- star General
The UPDF spokesperson Brig, Richard Karemire said promotion is triggered by among others, experience, loyalty, due retirement, education and many more.
Muhoozi a graduate of Nottingham University, UK has participated in most of the military academies in the world including famous Sandhurst, Academy in the U.S.
Other senior officers who were decorated on Tuesday include, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Gen. Ivan koreta, Lt. Gen Pacos Kuteesa, Lt. Joram Mugume and others.
