Museveni Tells Otafiire to Back Off Crown Prince Muhoozi

President Yoweri Museveni has intervened in Cabinet tensions involving his son, CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba, directing Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire to clarify his position publicly and urging all ministers to support the UPDF’s national and regional contributions instead of engaging in internal disputes.

President Museveni on Monday used a Cabinet meeting to address ongoing tensions between some senior government officials and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Sources say the President raised the matter himself and made it clear from the outset that it was not up for discussion.

During the meeting, Museveni reportedly asked Cabinet members who starts fights with Muhoozi, pointing to Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire as one of the ministers who has been involved in exchanges with the army chief.

ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi was also mentioned as having recently joined the exchanges.

The President is said to have defended the CDF, explaining that Muhoozi had initially wanted to pursue business rather than join the army, before eventually entering military service.

When given the opportunity to respond, Otafiire denied starting any fights with the CDF or engaging in any confrontation with him.

He reportedly told the meeting that he has no personal problem with Muhoozi.

Museveni then asked the minister to issue a public statement clarifying his position to avoid further speculation about a rift within government.

The President also encouraged Cabinet members to work with Muhoozi to better the country rather than engage in internal fights.

UPDF’s expanding role

The UPDF continues to play a key role in regional peacekeeping and security operations, particularly in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ugandan troops remain part of the African Union peace mission in Somalia, helping stabilize the country after years of conflict.

The army has also been active in eastern Congo through joint operations aimed at neutralising rebel groups threatening regional stability.

Beyond external missions, the UPDF has also taken on development roles within Uganda, including participation in road construction, engineering works, health outreach programmes, and other national activities aimed at supporting government service delivery.

The President reportedly noted that such contributions should be recognised and supported by government leaders rather than becoming the subject of internal disputes.