KAMPALA — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has once again stirred debate on social media after asking Ugandans whether they would support him for the presidency while also making lighthearted comments about American music superstar Beyoncé.
In a post shared on X late Monday, the 52-year-old army chief and son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni asked followers: “Do you Ugandans love me? Will you vote for me if I stand after Mzee? Retweet and Like.”
The post quickly attracted thousands of reactions, with supporters encouraging him to seek the country’s top office while critics questioned the appropriateness of a serving military officer publicly discussing presidential ambitions.
The comments came shortly after another post in which Muhoozi jokingly expressed admiration for Grammy-winning singer Beyoncé, a remark that generated widespread discussion and humorous responses from social media users.
“I have achieved everything I wanted to in life. My only challenge now is to get Beyonce,” he said.
Among those who reacted was opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who criticised the army chief’s conduct.
“Imagine a 52-year-old man with a 22-year-old daughter presiding over the national army—an institution that is supposed to embody the highest standards of discipline,” Bobi Wine wrote on X.
“Instead, the UPDF is led by someone whose conduct insults the uniform he wears.”
The National Unity Platform president further argued that Muhoozi’s public behaviour reflected broader governance challenges within the country.
However, supporters of the Chief of Defence Forces defended his social media engagement, describing it as authentic and relatable. Some followers responded positively to his presidential question, while others joined the conversation with jokes and suggestions about potential companions or local celebrities.
Gen. Muhoozi has built a reputation for his outspoken and often unconventional presence on social media, where his comments frequently generate national and international attention. His posts have, on several occasions, fueled speculation about his future political ambitions and whether he could eventually succeed President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986.
Although Muhoozi has previously made statements hinting at political aspirations, he remains an active serving officer and currently heads the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
The latest exchange highlights the growing role of social media in shaping political conversations in Uganda, with public figures increasingly using online platforms to engage directly with supporters and critics alike.
