General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has outlined plans to leave Uganda’s top military post.
Uganda’s military chief outlined plans to leave office, but subsequent remarks suggested he would stay for at least another year.
Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to retire as CDF and dedicate his life to Christ. He initially said he would hand over command within months.
However, subsequent remarks suggested he would remain in office for at least another year. Muhoozi, President Yoweri Museveni’s son, shared his retirement plans in a statement on X.
Plans to retire as CDF
Muhoozi said he believed he had completed the responsibilities God had entrusted to him. He therefore intended to transfer leadership to a qualified military officer before focusing his life on serving Christ.
His later indication of a longer stay contrasted with the initial proposal to leave within months. Meanwhile, the announcement comes amid growing speculation about his political ambitions.
In August 2026, Muhoozi indicated that he intended to contest Uganda’s presidency in 2031. His stated electoral ambitions have also raised questions about a possible move from military leadership into active politics.
Separately, Muhoozi defended his approach to military leadership. He argued that the CDF role requires a strong military commander rather than a diplomat.
Soldiers’ pay and military service
Beyond his retirement plans, Muhoozi proposed higher salaries for ordinary Uganda People’s Defence Forces soldiers. He suggested a basic monthly salary of Ush2 million, approximately KSh64,000, for the lowest-ranking personnel, particularly privates.
He proposed introducing the increase in the next financial year. Muhoozi also described UPDF soldiers as his heroes and said efforts to improve their accommodation faced difficulties.
President Museveni appointed Muhoozi as Chief of Defence Forces on March 21, 2024, replacing General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi. Mbadi subsequently became Minister of State for Trade.
Muhoozi formally took office on March 28, 2024, at the UPDF’s 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu. Before that appointment, he commanded both the Special Forces Command and the Land Forces. He also served as Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.
