In a press statement on Friday, March 22, 2024, the Ministry of Defence said the army chief replaces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who has been appointed Minister of State for Trade.

Until his latest appointment, Muhoozi, who is widely seen as his father’s successor in waiting, was serving as Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.

The appointment comes nearly two years after Museveni removed Muhoozi as Chief of Land Forces following his viral social media post about capturing Nairobi in two weeks, which threatened diplomatic ties with Kenya.

The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs later downplayed Muhoozi’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) and clarified that the government does not conduct its foreign policy and other official business through social media.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda has noted the debate on social media with respect to the relationship between Uganda and our brotherly neighbour, the Republic of Kenya. To this end, the Government of the Republic of Uganda wishes to reiterate its commitment to good neighbourliness, peaceful co-existence and cooperation.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that the Government of the Republic of Uganda does not conduct its Foreign Policy and other official business through social media nor does it depend on social media sources in dealing with other sovereign Governments,” the ministry said in a statement.

More appointments

In the latest appointments, President Museveni named Lt Gen Peter Elwelu Senior Presidential Advisor, while Lt Gen Samuel Okiding was appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

Additionally, Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda takes over as Defence Attaché while Maj Gen Jackson Bakasumba assumes the role of Joint Chief of Staff.

Similarly, Brig Gen David Mugisha was promoted to major General while Col Asaph Nyakyikuru was promoted to Brigadier General.

“The UPDF fraternity Congratulates the General officers for the new appointments and well-deserved promotions and wish them good luck in their new assignments and ranks,” said Defence Spokesperson FM Kulayigne.