Recently, the First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, lashed out at the older generation of leaders—among them his father, President Yoweri Museveni, and his uncle, Gen. Salim Saleh—accusing them of dominating the young generation as he declared his presidential ambitions. Still serving as a military officer, Muhoozi has repeatedly expressed frustration at waiting for his turn to lead Uganda, warning that time is running out for him.
In an interview with the Nile Post, Frank Gashumba, the newly appointed vice‑chairperson for the Buganda region in the MK Movement, urged people to support Muhoozi’s vision for a better Uganda. Gashumba praised Muhoozi, saying he would not disappoint the nation like the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). He described his own appointment as a privilege and a challenge, emphasizing the need to deliver results for the people.
Gashumba explained his role as a “bottom‑up” mobiliser: listening to the concerns of Buganda residents, gathering their views, and shaping a people‑centered manifesto. He announced that the first official MK Movement Buganda conference will be held in the second week of June to identify challenges and devise strategies should the movement assume power.
When asked why he supports Muhoozi, Gashumba cited the need for stability and security. He argued that a military leader can guarantee safety, noting that Uganda has long been governed by military presidents. He also referenced his great‑grandmother’s migration from Rwanda in 1923 and the historic tension between Uganda and Rwanda. According to Gashumba, Gen. Muhoozi helped resolve that conflict, enabling free travel between the two countries.
Gashumba defended Muhoozi’s military education, pointing out that many world leaders have emerged from the same institutions. He acknowledged his past support for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine, explaining that he respects Besigye’s sacrifices for the poor and that he helped found People Power with Kyagulanyi, though he does not consider the latter fit for the presidency. For Gashumba, Muhoozi is the best candidate after President Museveni.
Addressing claims that the MK Movement is dominated by “Westerners,” Gashumba said appointments are made personally by the “supreme leader” based on mobilisation skills, not geography. He noted that leaders from Bunyoro and the Sebei region have already been involved in organizing events, and that vacancies for the east will be filled in due time.
Regarding Muhoozi’s platform, Gashumba highlighted the government’s mixed record and Muhoozi’s criticism of Kampala’s deteriorating infrastructure. He said Muhoozi envisions a corruption‑free country, an end to ostentatious luxury, and a focus on youth—who make up 63 % of Uganda’s population. Although Muhoozi has been accused of deleting uncoordinated statements, Gashumba argued that only a small fraction of his tweets are removed, and that his social‑media presence is a deliberate strategy to engage young voters.
On the legal hurdle of Muhoozi’s military status, Gashumba affirmed that efforts are underway to release him from the UPDF, confident that he will run in 2026. He criticized NUP’s current hold on Buganda, accusing Kyagulanyi of breaking promises and living a privileged lifestyle while claiming to fight for the people. Gashumba dismissed the notion that having leisure time undermines a leader’s commitment, comparing Kyagulanyi’s behavior to that of historic freedom fighters who never enjoyed such comforts.
Gashumba also contested the narrative that Kyagulanyi’s armored car is a gift from President Museveni, insisting it is a tax‑exempt donation and that Kyagulanyi is effectively a project of the NRM designed to split opposition support. He warned that Muhoozi’s impatience could be misinterpreted, but emphasized that the movement is building a brand around Muhoozi as an individual, not merely as the president’s son.
When asked whether oratory skills matter, Gashumba responded that Ugandans care more about tangible improvements—hospitals, roads, schools—than eloquent speeches. He dismissed comparisons between Kyagulanyi and Muhoozi, calling the former a “rabbit” and the latter a “lion.” He expressed confidence that Museveni will eventually allow Muhoozi to contest, urging a swift release from military duties so Muhoozi can experience civilian life.
In his closing remarks, Gashumba declared, “The lion is getting out of the cage.” He argued that Ugandans would prefer a benevolent dictator who delivers services over a “happy democrat.” He called for better infrastructure, appointed rather than elected mayors for Kampala, and the removal of the title “Lord Mayor” until the city truly earns it.
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