Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the UPDF commander of land forces was left speechless on Saturday evening as multitudes filled up Lugogo Cricket Oval to celebrate his 48th birthday.
“It touches my heart when I see Ugandans recognize the work we have been doing. I always say I know all the bushes in Uganda. I am never on holiday. I am always working for Uganda but today Ugandans are celebrating everywhere, in universities and in towns.” Muhoozi confessed.
He added: “The MK@48 celebrations are all over the country. The country is on fire. I want to thank you the people of Uganda for the support. This is not about me but about all of you.”
The three-star-general told a sea of happy Ugandans that the celebrations meant there is a strong vibrant youth movement in this country.
Against that background, a composed, soft-spoken Muhoozi urged authorities in government and leadership to massively invest and take keen interest in the plight of the youth because they form a strongest movement.
Youth in Uganda are the youngest population in the world, with 77% of its population being under 25 years of age.
However, the youth have not been fully catered for by the government compelling many of them to join dissenting voices.
“All the youth need is serious attention. Youth like two things; sports and entertainment,” he said.
He said government should invest in sports facilities in the country because the youth have too much energy. “If you leave them idle you get problems.”
The event was organized by Michael Nuwagira alias Toyota, a close relative of Gen Muhoozi.
Muhoozi marks 48 years of age today, April 24 and his father President Yoweri Museveni will host invited guests to a dinner at State House.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected to attend the ceremony.
Muhoozi was flanked by several senior army officers including Maj Gen Steven Kashaka, the defence advisor at Uganda’s embassy in Dar Es Salaam, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, the Joint Chief of Staff in the UPDF, Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the Military Police commander, Maj Gen James Birungi, the Chief of Military Intelligence in UPDF , Brig Charity Bainababo, the deputy SFC commander and Brig Christopher Ddamulira, the director of Crime Intelligence in Police.
The functions were also attended by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, NRM director for mobilization Rosemary Sseninde, Shadrack Nzeire(Muhoozi’s uncle) and Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze among others.
Other personalities included Kampala businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, former presidential press secretary, Tamale Mirundi, Pastor Bugingo and police spokesperson Fred Enanga among others.
