Muhoozi announces plans to retire as Uganda's CDF, dedicate life to Christ

Muhoozi announces plans to retire as Uganda’s CDF, dedicate life to Christ [Photo/Courtesy]                                                                                        

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to step down from the military’s top leadership position in the coming months, saying he intends to dedicate the next chapter of his life to serving Christ.

Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, made the announcement in a statement shared on his X account, where he said he believed he had fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to him by God and was ready to hand over the position to another military officer.

“My time as CDF is coming to an end. I have accomplished all the tasks my God gave me. In a few months I will handover this office to a qualified officer. I shall dedicate my life to Christ after that,” he wrote.

However, in subsequent remarks, the military chief appeared to suggest that his departure was not imminent, indicating that he would remain in office for at least another year.

Away from his anticipated retirement, Muhoozi also turned his attention to the welfare of ordinary Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers, proposing a salary increase for military personnel.

He suggested that the lowest-ranking soldiers, particularly privates, should earn a basic monthly salary of Ush2 million (approximately KSh64,000), with the proposed adjustment taking effect in the next financial year.

“My heroes have always been UPDF soldiers. We are struggling to improve their accommodation,” he stated.

The general also defended his leadership style, arguing that the position of CDF requires a strong military commander rather than a diplomat.

Muhoozi was appointed Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces by his father, President Museveni, on March 21, 2024, replacing General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who was subsequently appointed Minister of State for Trade.

He officially assumed office on March 28, 2024, during a handover ceremony at the UPDF’s 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu.

Before his appointment, Muhoozi held several senior military positions, including Commander of the Special Forces Command, Commander of Land Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.

His latest announcement comes against the backdrop of growing speculation about his political ambitions.

In August 2026, Muhoozi indicated that he intended to contest Uganda’s presidency in 2031, raising questions about whether his anticipated departure from the military could mark the beginning of a transition towards active politics.