As Uganda celebrates its 61st year of independence, it’s intriguing to explore what the first sons of its past presidents have been up to. While Africa and the world have seen their fair share of father-to-son presidencies, Uganda has not followed that trend. Let’s take a closer look at what these first sons are doing:
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II
Although Prince Kiweewa Luswata is the firstborn son of Kabaka Edward Muteesa II, who is the first president of Uganda; the reigning Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Mutebi II is the most prominent of all the first sons of Muteesa. Lady Sarah Nalule is the mother of Mutebi.
Upon the death of his father in 1969, Mutebi was selected as the Head of the Royal House of Buganda but was enthroned as Kabaka of Buganda years later in 1993 when cultural institutions were restored.
Jimmy Akena
Jimmy Akena, the son of two-time former president Milton Obote (1967-1971 and 1980-1985). He lived with his father in exile in Zambia after Obote was deposed in a coup by Idi Amin. Akena currently leads the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), a political party founded by his father. In the 2016 general elections, he surprised many by reportedly forming an alliance with President Museveni. Akena is the current Lira Municipality MP. His wife, Betty Amongi, currently serves as the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Taban Amin
Idi Amin’s polygamous relationships resulted in over 30 known children, and Taban Amin is among them. He has ties with the current ruling party and previously served as the deputy director of the External Security Organisation. In 2016, his son, Taban Amin Jr., won a parliamentary seat on the NRM ticket.
Wasswa Lule
Wasswa Lule, son of the late Yusuf Lule, has been involved in various political roles during President Museveni’s era. He served as a Member of Parliament for Lubaga North and briefly held the position of deputy Inspector General of Government before being sacked from office.
His brother Kato Lule is rumoured to be a pharmacist in the United Kingdom while another brother, Fred Kironde Lule is self-employed in the same country.
Henry Okello Oryem
Henry Okello Oryem, son of President Tito Okello Lutwa, has maintained a close relationship with the regime’s inner circle. He is a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and has held positions in Museveni’s cabinet, primarily as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2001.
Francis Birungi Binaisa
Francis Birungi Binaisa, one of the known sons of ex-Ugandan president Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa, is currently serving a prison sentence at Luzira Prison. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated defilement in 2012.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first-born of President Yoweri Museveni and Janet Museveni, has pursued a career in the military. He has risen through the ranks, serving as the Commander of the Special Forces and Commander Land Forces. Currently, he is a four-star general, highest rank in the Ugandan army. He’s also a Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations.