Arrested Generals and a Threatened VP: President's Son Sparks Succession Tensions in Uganda
In recent months, at least a dozen senior military officers in Uganda have been arrested or detained under General Muhoozi Kainerugaba — the country’s powerful army chief and son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni.
The Military Crackdown
Since April 2025, multiple high-ranking generals and officers have faced charges ranging from corruption to treason. Among them are three former heads of military intelligence who oversaw some of Uganda’s most sensitive security operations.
A key case is that of Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, formerly deputy army chief. On 2 November 2025, he was arrested over allegations of plotting to destabilise eastern Teso region. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), General Kainerugaba declared: 'The traitor Peter Elwelu is hereby stripped of his ranks. He is demoted to Private.' The announcement sparked legal concerns — Ugandan media have reported that military regulations do not permit senior officers to be demoted through social media posts alone.
The army confirmed the detention and stated it had recovered 15 guns, military uniforms, and two pickup trucks linked to Elwelu. His family has denied all accusations. As of this reporting, Elwelu remains in custody.
Potential Succession Amid Internal Divisions
A growing political narrative suggests these arrests are part of a broader effort to consolidate power around General Kainerugaba’s presidential ambitions — often referred to as the 'Muhoozi Project' by Ugandan analysts.
Dr Gerald Bareebe, a political scientist at York University in Canada, says: 'Senior officers believed not to support the project have been arrested, detained or charged with corruption and treason.' He adds that many allegations appear politically motivated, reflecting deepening divisions within Uganda's military leadership over succession.
In August 2025, Maj Gen James Birungi, former head of defence intelligence, was arrested on charges including treason, terrorism and corruption. After being held before a military court, he was released following Kainerugaba’s public announcement of 'forgiveness'.
Maj Gen Abel Kandiho was detained in September for alleged false intelligence and treachery; as of this reporting, he remains in detention. Brig-Gen Charles Bakahumura, his predecessor, also faced similar accusations but was later freed after the army chief issued a statement of forgiveness.
Party Leadership Responds with Denials
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rejected reports that its top leadership had formally opposed General Kainerugaba's candidacy for president.
In a statement on 10 November, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong Awany said: 'The party met to discuss political, social and economic issues' — and dismissed claims that any proposal to back Kainerugaba as next president had been rejected. He added that decisions would be communicated 'through the right channel, at the right time.'
However, according to AFP news agency, five sources who attended a closed-door meeting of senior NRM figures reported that a vote was abandoned after several members spoke against supporting Kainerugaba’s candidacy. ChimpReports, Uganda's independent news outlet, noted that most attendees supported his potential presidency but questioned whether he is ready for civilian leadership.
Military vs. Party: A Fractured Landscape
The situation highlights tensions between two powerful institutions — the military and the ruling party — both of which are deeply involved in succession planning under President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1980.
General Kainerugaba recently threatened Vice-President Jessica Alupo with dismissal and possible arrest, suggesting she should step down to make way for him. The statement was widely reported by Ugandan media and raised concerns about political intimidation within state structures.
Uganda’s security analyst Freddie David Egesa argues that while some arrests appear targeted, they may reflect broader investigations across different agencies rather than a coordinated purge. He says detaining senior officers could serve as a tool to protect institutional integrity — or signal power consolidation.
No official confirmation has been made regarding the legitimacy of any charges against detained generals. Allegations range from theft of military fuel to spying on communications; in all cases, no independent verification has been published.
The full scope of these developments remains under scrutiny. While the NRM denies internal opposition to Kainerugaba's candidacy, evidence suggests significant divisions exist within both its leadership and the armed forces over who will succeed President Museveni.