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Uganda’s longtime president will be sworn in for another term as his son emerges as de facto ruler

On Tuesday, 81-year-old Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni begins a new five-year term as his son, army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, oversees inauguration rehearsals and directs national defense and security matters.
Museveni first took power in 1986 promising democratization, but critics now dub his son's controversial rise the "Muhoozi Project," with his father reportedly preferring hereditary rule over democracy.
Lawmakers recently passed a law prohibiting any "agent of a foreigner" from receiving over 400 million Ugandan shillings—roughly $110,000—in external funding within a 12-month period without interior minister approval.
Leaders are increasingly showing allegiance to Kainerugaba, signaling his growing influence, while analysts warn the 12th parliament will likely further sideline opposition despite Museveni's traditional balancing of rivals.
Kainerugaba's path to the presidency remains uncertain, with potential routes including an unconstitutional takeover or a constitutional amendment, leaving the nature of the transition and stability of Museveni's final term as critical questions.

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