Youths have made their voices heard, says Gen Muhoozi on birthday celebrations

The Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said the youths have made their voices heard by organizing and attending his 48^th birthday celebrations.

On Saturday, Gen Muhoozi’s birthday celebrations kicked off with a marathon organized at Kololo independence grounds.

Speaking at Kololo, he said he was happy the events had gained momentum that few thought would happen.

“The MK@48 celebrations are all over the country. The country is on fire. I want to thank you the people of Uganda for the support. This is not about me but about all of you,” he said.

Later, Gen Muhoozi attended a music concert organized at the Lugogo Cricket Oval as part of the 48^th birthday celebrations.

Speaking at Lugogo amid cheers from the mammoth crowd, the UPDF Commander of the Land Forces said by coming in big numbers, youths had made their voices heard.

“Thank you youths of Uganda for this incredible support. You have made your voices heard.I really can’t thank enough everybody - you’ve really touched my heart - to know that so many people in Uganda recognize the work we have been doing all these years with my comrades in UPDF,” he said.

“It touches my heart when I see Ugandans recognize the work we have been doing. I always say I know all the bushes in Uganda. I am never on holiday. I am always working for Uganda but today Ugandans are celebrating everywhere, in universities and in towns.”

He noted that whereas he likes private life, this time round it was prudent that the country celebrates and thank God after overcoming the Covid pandemic.

“Our country and rest of the world have been going through a terrible pandemic. Here we were in lockdown for two years plus. We all suffered as Ugandans in different ways but we thank God we didn’t lose as many people as other countries. We thank all our medical professionals for the great work done,” Gen Muhoozi said.

Rwanda relations

He said the celebrations are meant to applaud all those who played a critical role in restoring the relations between Uganda and Rwanda whose negotiations he brokered by making several visits to meet President Kagame to ease the four year impasse..

“The border was closed and people were suffering because they could not visit families and friends across the border. We thank God the problem was solved .Our relations are good and are going to even get better. That’s why I thought we should come out and celebrate.”

Attendance

Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba was flanked by several senior army officers including Maj Gen Steven Kashaka, the defence advisor at Uganda’s embassy in Dar Es Salaam, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, the Joint Chief of Staff in the UPDF, Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the Military Police commander, Maj Gen James Birungi, the Chief of Military Intelligence in UPDF , Brig Charity Bainababo, the deputy SFC commander and  Brig Christopher Ddamulira, the director of Crime Intelligence in Police.

The functions were also attended by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, NRM director for mobilization Rosemary Sseninde, Shadrack Nzeire(Muhoozi's uncle) and Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze among others.

Other personalities included Kampala businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, former presidential press secretary, Tamale Mirundi, Pastor Bugingo and police spokesperson Fred Enanga among others.

A cake was later cut and  the day climaxed with a musical concert where Uganda’s top artistes and comedians performed.

The celebrations

To many, especially those who follow proceedings in Uganda, the birthday celebrations were a clear statement about Lt Gen Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions.

These believe those who attended or were invited for the birthday celebrations will play a key role in preparing ground for the Commander Land Forces’ presidential bid.