Army Generals, civil servants, businessmen, media practitioners, friends and supporters of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Wednesday evening thronged Speke Resort Munyonyo to celebrate his birthday.
Born on April 24, 1974 in Dar el Salam, Tanzania, Muhoozi turned 45 years of age.
At exactly 6pm, Commonwealth Banquet Hall had been filled with guests who waited for the arrival the birthday boy. Shortly, he arrived and was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaza, deputy IGP Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi, among others.
Pastor Aloysius Bugingo evoked the holy spirit to bless the ceremony and also protect the leaders of our country.
Many speakers who took to the podium to speak about the person of Muhoozi, commended his humility, his ability to listen to all the voices and above all a God fearing military officer who on a number of occasions has contributed to a number of churches in many parishes across the country.
His stories of nurturing a number of soldiers including Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema who now heads Anti-graft unit in State House couldn’t be left untold. Many people from civil and active military service described Muhoozi as very cunning, amiable person and down to earth who isn’t moved by the privilege of being First Son.
Such description was an eye opener and convincing enough that indeed a three-star General, the third highest rank in Uganda’s military can be a suitable successor of his father President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Big Decision
Taking to the podium to give his speech, Muhoozi was “moved and “touched” by what the had been talked about him by previous speakers.
He acknowledged that such birthday celebrations don’t move him but he had to accept when a group of young men and women approached him requesting to throw him a bash on such important a day in his life.
“This is my first public celebration in 33 years since 1986, I am a private person and such public things don’t move me,” he said.
As a reader, Muhoozi quoted one of the famous warriors who wrote that when a man clocks 45 years of age, it’s a “crossing point” where big decisions must be made.
It’s at this point that he made a veiled revelation whether his acceptance to allow such public celebration has to do with “making big decision” at “a crossing point.”
However, he was quick to add: “I am not saying I am leaving the military.”
He again challenged the audience that everyone has an obligation to protect the achievements Uganda has had since 1986.
His asked officials in government to focus on the youth whom he termed as “next battle.”
Generational Leader
A number of speakers from the audience told Muhoozi it is high time he considered engaging in active leadership of the country.
Former EALA Speaker Mr. Dan Kidega openly told Muhoozi that his generation “looks up to him” as their leader bearing in mind that he possesses all the qualities.
Muhoozi responded to the calls by proposing to have numerous interactions as a means of shaping the future of Uganda.