Gen Muhoozi Forgives Gen Sejusa, Set for Talks Under Museveni’s Supervision
August 3, 2025
Kampala, Uganda — Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has extended an olive branch to former intelligence chief Gen David Sejusa (formerly Tinyefuza), signaling a possible reconciliation between two of Uganda’s most controversial military figures.
In a post made on X (formerly Twitter), Gen Muhoozi revealed he had forgiven Sejusa after years of public and personal attacks, notably centered around the explosive 2013 allegations dubbed the “Muhoozi Project.”
“I have made peace in my heart with General Tinyefuza. After all the injury he heaped on me for many years, I forgive him,” Gen Muhoozi wrote.
He further announced plans to meet Gen Sejusa within two weeks, in a meeting to be held under the supervision of President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“I will meet him, under the supervision of the Commander-in-Chief, in exactly 2 weeks!” he added.
The ‘Muhoozi Project’ Allegation
In 2013, while serving as Coordinator of Intelligence Services, Gen Sejusa sent a confidential letter to the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) alleging that a covert plan—what he termed the “Muhoozi Project”—was underway to groom then-Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to succeed his father, President Museveni, as Uganda’s next president.
Sejusa claimed that senior military and political figures who opposed the alleged succession plan faced threats of intimidation or elimination. The letter, which was leaked to the press, triggered a political storm and led to heightened tensions within the government and security circles.
Fearing for his life, Sejusa fled the country and went into exile in the United Kingdom.
President Museveni dismissed the claims as baseless and diversionary. At the time, government spokesman Fred Opolot told Voice of America (VoA):
“The allegation or insinuation that Museveni is grooming his son is completely untrue. President Museveni has been at the forefront of ensuring democratic progress… It is diversionary to suggest that all of a sudden he is grooming his son.”
Opolot added that Muhoozi’s rise through military ranks was due to merit:
“Muhoozi has propelled himself and shown excellence in the army hierarchy. If his son has the ambition to excel, surely it is no reason to castigate the president for promoting his son.”
From Exile to Retirement
After years in exile, Gen Sejusa returned to Uganda and remained largely silent on the Muhoozi Project. In 2022, he was formally retired from the UPDF in a high-profile ceremony, where he delivered a reconciliatory speech:
“I am proud to belong to the NRA/UPDF, which has made incredible strides. I thank the people of Uganda from all their regions for their sacrifices. We all know there was a phase in our struggle when the civilian population was our vanguard. They were our eyes, ears and our protectors.”
The ceremony was viewed as a symbolic closing of a controversial chapter in the UPDF’s history.
What This Reconciliation Could Mean
The upcoming meeting between Muhoozi and Sejusa could mark a turning point in Uganda’s military-political landscape. It suggests a shift toward unity among historical figures in the National Resistance Army (NRA) and UPDF at a time when Muhoozi is seen by some as a potential presidential contender.
While the topic of presidential succession remains politically sensitive, Gen Muhoozi’s public act of forgiveness may be intended to project strength, maturity, and a desire for national reconciliation.
Whether this meeting leads to deeper political implications remains to be seen, but for now, it marks a rare moment of dialogue between two once-divided generals under the watch of Uganda’s long-serving president.
