Ugandan Colonel Declared Himself President for 25 Minutes, Reveals General
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba shares anecdote about the country’s shortest-serving “president.”
(January 26, 2026) — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has revealed a bizarre piece of the country’s political history: a 25-minute presidency.
In a post on the social media platform X, Gen Kainerugaba recalled his “old friend” Colonel Walter Ochora, whom he described as the “shortest serving ‘President’ of the country.”
“He served for 25 minutes or something I think,” the General posted. “Mzee rescued us from so much turmoil.”
The claim prompted curiosity from Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, who asked for an explanation.
Gen Kainerugaba clarified: “As in you announce yourself as President, on Radio Uganda and after 25 minutes your commander, Bazilio Okello, arrests you.”
This incident, which appears to be a brief and unauthorised seizure of the state broadcaster, would place Col. Ochora’s “tenure” as a fleeting footnote in Uganda’s history.
The revelation sparked public reflection on the nation’s leadership timeline. Since independence, Uganda has had several presidents, including Edward Mutesa II, Milton Obote (two non-consecutive terms), Idi Amin, Yusuf Lule, Godfrey Binaisa, Paulo Muwanga, Tito Okello Lutwa, and the current president, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Colonel Ochora’s attempted declaration, however, stands apart as an ephemeral chapter of mere minutes, now brought to light by the country’s top military official.
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