Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 525
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked debate after posting on X questioning why former commanders of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces failed to attend his 52nd birthday run held in Kololo Kampala.
In the post made hours after the event, Muhoozi wrote: “Why didn't former CDFs (except Gen. Katumba) attend my birthday run?? That might become a big problem for them.” The statement has since attracted widespread reactions online, with many interpreting it as a warning to the retired military chiefs.
The annual birthday run, dubbed the MK 52 Run, took place at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope.” The event attracted supporters, security personnel, politicians and members of the public to celebrate Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday while raising money for vulnerable children and baby homes.
In his tweet, Muhoozi singled out only Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala ( CDF 2013-2017) currently the Minister of Works and Transport as the only former CDF who attended the event.
The former Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chiefs of Defence Forces who are still alive and are likely being referred to in Muhoozi’s statement include:
1. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (1989–1998 as Army Commander, later effectively the army’s top commander before the CDF structure was formalized) Now a leading opposition politician and founder of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party.
2. Gen. Jeje Odongo (CDF 1998–2001) — A veteran military officer currently serving as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, after previously holding several key ministerial roles.3.
3. Gen. David Muhoozi (CDF 2017–2021) — Currently serving as Minister of State for Internal Affairs and remains influential in security circles.
4. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi (CDF 2021–2024) — Recently appointed Minister of State for Trade after leaving military service.
Whether this episode fades as a one-day social media storm or signals deeper tensions remains to be seen. What is clear is that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has once again used his platform to draw a very public line and the country's military old guard is now firmly on notice.
In the post made hours after the event, Muhoozi wrote: “Why didn't former CDFs (except Gen. Katumba) attend my birthday run?? That might become a big problem for them.” The statement has since attracted widespread reactions online, with many interpreting it as a warning to the retired military chiefs.
The annual birthday run, dubbed the MK 52 Run, took place at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme “Run for Charity, Run for Hope.” The event attracted supporters, security personnel, politicians and members of the public to celebrate Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday while raising money for vulnerable children and baby homes.
In his tweet, Muhoozi singled out only Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala ( CDF 2013-2017) currently the Minister of Works and Transport as the only former CDF who attended the event.
The former Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chiefs of Defence Forces who are still alive and are likely being referred to in Muhoozi’s statement include:
1. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (1989–1998 as Army Commander, later effectively the army’s top commander before the CDF structure was formalized) Now a leading opposition politician and founder of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party.
2. Gen. Jeje Odongo (CDF 1998–2001) — A veteran military officer currently serving as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, after previously holding several key ministerial roles.3.
3. Gen. David Muhoozi (CDF 2017–2021) — Currently serving as Minister of State for Internal Affairs and remains influential in security circles.
4. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi (CDF 2021–2024) — Recently appointed Minister of State for Trade after leaving military service.
Whether this episode fades as a one-day social media storm or signals deeper tensions remains to be seen. What is clear is that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has once again used his platform to draw a very public line and the country's military old guard is now firmly on notice.
