President Museveni made significant changes to his Cabinet, appointing his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and two loyal supporters as State ministers. The reshuffle also saw the appointment of Peter Lokeris to Karamoja Affairs and Kenneth Omona to Northern Uganda. Balaam Barugahare was named the state minister for youth and children, while Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber will oversee disaster preparedness.

Balaam’s unwavering loyalty to Gen Muhoozi has been compared to his attachment to his iconic orange Polo shirt. Alongside Aber, they are among many who have shown strong support for the new CDF, including businessman Andrew Mwenda, Frank Gashumba, and legislator Daudi Kabanda.

The youth in Uganda make up a significant portion of the population, with 77 percent under 25 years of age. Despite not being a youth himself, Gen Muhoozi has positioned himself as appealing to the younger generation. Speculation about Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions has been ongoing, with recent appointments indicating a strategic move towards succession.

With Gen Muhoozi now in command of the military and defence forces, the path to his eventual leadership seems clearer. President Museveni’s delegation of command authority to his son signifies a significant shift in power dynamics within the government. The chessboard is set for a strategic game between father and son, with the ultimate goal of reaching the finish line.

The appointment of key allies like Balaam and Aber, along with the strategic placement of Lt Gen Peter Elwelu as a senior presidential advisor, further solidifies Muhoozi’s position within the political landscape. As the countdown to the next election begins, all eyes are on how the four-star general will navigate his path to the top seat. The stage is set for a political checkmate in the near future.