The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has accused Western media outlets of favouring opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, over Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a potential successor to President Yoweri Museveni.
In a statement issued on October 10, 2026, acting UPDF Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi criticised a New York Times article by Megan K. Stack titled “The Authoritarian Future Is Already Here,” published on October 8.Magezi rejected allegations raised in the article, arguing that the writer relied heavily on accounts from opposition figures and activists.
He also cited coverage by other international publications, accusing Western media of portraying Muhoozi negatively.“What is clear though is that General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not their preferred successor of choice to a post-Museveni Uganda,” Magezi said, claiming that Western media would prefer Bobi Wine or someone with similar political views to lead Uganda.
The UPDF also disputed allegations by exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who reportedly described being beaten and mistreated during detention. Magezi insisted that Muhoozi had never met Kakwenza, while the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse remain contested.
The army defended Muhoozi’s military record, arguing that international coverage focuses excessively on his social media statements instead of his service. Magezi maintained that Uganda’s leadership should be determined by Ugandans and insisted that the UPDF would hold its personnel accountable for breaking the law.
