For more on the controversial Tweet and citizens reaction to the promotion of Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, VOA’s James Butty spoke to Ballam Barugahara, a self- proclaimed “vice president” of Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s supporter’s base.
The interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
VOA: What was your reaction after Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was promoted by his father, President Yoweri Museveni?
Barugahara: General Muhoozi informed us that he spoke to his father, who is also the commander and chief of the armed forces.
He said the commander and chief will issue good news to us.
When General Muhoozi spoke to his father, his work was appreciated which led to his promotion to full general, which was long overdue because he is the most qualified UPDF officer.
General Muhoozi attended the best colleges in the U.S., attended training in Cairo, he has been to North Korea and Moscow. Based on his credentials he should be a Field Marshall.
Since he has attained the rank of General, he will soon become a Field Marshall, Inshallah.
VOA: There has been backlash to General Muhoozi’s controversial Tweet. Does he have any regrets about that?
Barugahara: General Muhoozi believes in freedom of speech.
He will always Tweet what is on his heart and has a good sense of humor.
Like I have said before, if you want to be the president of the youth, which speaks to majority of Uganda’s population and accounts for at least 38 million people, you need to have a sense of humor.
Whatever General Muhoozi did, there is no regret for what he Tweeted.
However, I want everyone to know that being a general does not deprive you off the right to entertainment and fun.
Whatever he did, is not regrettable and it is fun. In fact, his Twitter account grew by 100 thousand followers in a day, making him arguably the most followed officer in Africa.
VOA: How does General Muhoozi feel about his promotion?
Barugahara: He feels very good.
He is preparing a party for his followers on Kampala’s main street, and we shall have these parties countrywide at the expense of supporters who are coming up with different parties which are subject to his approval and availability.
Remember he is a senior presidential advisor on special assignment. Among his assignments are to make peace, love, and friendship with neighboring countries.
Hopefully he will find time to sustain the celebrations hosted by his supporters.
He has already announced a party on Kampala Road, but we intend to do more.
Within the next two weeks we also intend to head to the Carnivore in Nairobi, to party with our Kenyan supporters.
Nairobi and Uganda are “one country,” we are east Africa, and that is what president Yoweri Museveni and other leaders like president Ruto, Samia Suluhu and Paul Kagame are advocating for.
