Uganda's army chief Muhoozi backs Ruto for a second term and names Wetang'ula his "Mutume" in Kenya

Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has openly backed President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. He made the declaration in a post on X on Friday, October 2, naming National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as his political "Mutume" in Kenya. The word is understood in the context of the post to mean an emissary or representative.

In the post, he wrote that Wetang'ula would support Ruto's re-election and ended with the line "Tunataka Second term," meaning "we want a second term." Reports say Muhoozi clarified that his statements are not an official endorsement by the Ugandan government. The post also did not indicate that Wetang'ula had received any formal appointment or role in Ruto's campaign. Regional intrigue as Uganda’s Military Chief Gen. Muhoozi backs Ruto for 2027 re-election +2

Wetang'ula has been stepping up his own mobilisation for Ruto. He said he reminded people in the region that he was once a fierce defender of Raila Odinga, and this time urged them to rally behind the president's bid and stay in the broad-based government. peopledaily

Muhoozi is President Museveni's son and the head of the Ugandan army. He is widely seen as being groomed for the Ugandan presidency and is known for direct and controversial social media posts. In October 2022, shortly after Ruto took office, he caused a diplomatic row by suggesting on X that his forces could capture Nairobi in under two weeks. President Museveni apologised to Ruto and Kenya, and Muhoozi was later promoted to full general.

Observers describe the latest post as an unusually direct intervention by a senior Ugandan military officer in a neighbouring country's election politics. It comes as Kenyan parties, emerging movements and individual politicians explore alliances aimed at making Ruto a one-term president.

We have not seen a response to the post from Ruto's office or the Kenyan government.