Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda?s long-time President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his departure from X, where his posts have often stirred public and political controversies.

The 50-year-old army general, widely seen as a potential successor to his father, stated that his decision to leave the platform was influenced by his faith and a renewed focus on his military responsibilities.

?It is on the instructions and blessings of my Lord Jesus Christ that I leave this social media and dedicate myself to my assignment to bring peace and security to our region,? Kainerugaba wrote in his farewell message.

He also thanked his one million followers for their support since 2014, calling their interactions a ?great whirlwind and rousing journey.?

The general?s tweets have repeatedly drawn criticism for breaching military protocol, sparking political debates, and causing diplomatic unease. Most recently, he faced backlash for threatening opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. In a tweet, he warned he would ?cut off? Wine?s head, a remark that prompted widespread condemnation.

Although Kainerugaba later apologised, describing the comment as a joke, Wine dismissed the apology, saying he could not take the threat lightly.

Kainerugaba?s statements have previously caused embarrassment to the Ugandan government. In 2022, he suggested invading neighbouring Kenya, leading President Museveni to apologise publicly.

His posts supporting Russia?s invasion of Ukraine and taking sides in the Ethiopian civil war also strained Uganda?s diplomatic ties. Despite these incidents, Museveni has defended his son, calling him a ?very good general,? while the army maintained that Kainerugaba was entitled to freedom of expression under the constitution.

This is not the first time Kainerugaba has quit the platform. In 2022, he deactivated his account but returned shortly afterwards. Critics argue that his social media activity undermines military discipline and fuels speculation about his political ambitions.

Kainerugaba, who joined the Uganda Peoples? Defence Forces in 1999, has risen swiftly through the ranks, a trajectory dubbed the ?Muhoozi Project? by local media.

He has held rallies and mobilised support across the country, actions viewed by some as positioning himself for the presidency. However, President Museveni has denied grooming his son as his successor.

In his final message, Kainerugaba urged his followers to support his father, whom he described as ?the greatest general of the resistance.?

Despite his departure from X, the general hinted at a possible return, stating, ?I know you all love me, and that you will continue to follow me like the wind long after here.? (Tribune)

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