President Yoweri Museveni has praised his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for what he described as a significant role in fighting corruption within the military and enhancing the operational strength of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In a message issued on Friday to mark Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday, Museveni credited the First Son and senior army officer for contributing to the professionalism and combat readiness of the force.
“Gen. Muhoozi has made significant contribution to fighting corruption in the Army and increasing the lethality of the UPDF,” Museveni said, in a statement that blended personal reflection with political messaging.
The President used the occasion not only to celebrate his son’s milestone but also to reflect on the family’s history within Uganda’s liberation struggle, noting that his children were “born in the resistance and grew up in the resistance.”
He singled out Muhoozi as having played a particularly visible role in sustaining and advancing the ideals of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), especially within the military establishment.
Museveni linked Muhoozi’s birth to historic global events, recalling that he was born on April 24, 1974, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — around the same time as the anti-fascist انقلاب in Portugal that led to the collapse of colonial rule in Africa.
According to Museveni, the coincidence symbolized what he described as “double blessings” for freedom fighters at the time.
The President also used the statement to highlight the sacrifices made by First Lady Janet Museveni, whom he credited for raising their children during the difficult years of the bush war between 1981 and 1986.
Beyond the family narrative, the message is likely to fuel ongoing political discussions around Muhoozi’s growing influence in both military and public spheres. In recent years, the general has emerged as a central figure in Uganda’s security architecture, with his actions and statements often drawing significant public attention.
Museveni’s emphasis on anti-corruption efforts and military effectiveness positions Muhoozi as a key actor in shaping the future of the UPDF — an institution that has historically played a pivotal role in Uganda’s governance and stability.
The President concluded by congratulating Muhoozi, his wife, children, and siblings upon reaching the milestone, while also thanking Ugandans and Africans who have supported his family and political movement over the years.
