Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked fresh political speculation after making a cryptic statement about a woman named Jessica who he says has been occupying his seat for too long. His remarks have triggered discussions about whether he could be eyeing the office of Uganda’s Vice President, currently held by retired Maj Jessica Alupo.

“I hear there is a young woman called Jessica who has been warming my seat for long enough. Maybe it’s time for her to leave,” Muhoozi posted, without directly mentioning Alupo or explaining which seat he was referring to.

However, because Jessica Alupo is the woman currently occupying the country’s second-highest political office, many observers have interpreted the statement as a possible reference to her position. The remarks have also raised questions about Muhoozi’s next assignment following his recent announcement that his time as CDF is coming to an end.

Muhoozi’s political influence has increasingly attracted attention, particularly as discussions about Uganda’s leadership after President Yoweri Museveni continue to gain momentum. His involvement in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and his frequent public statements about national affairs have kept him at the centre of the succession debate.

The latest remarks also come after reports that Museveni identified his son as his preferred successor during a meeting of the ruling National Resistance Movement’s Central Executive Committee. Although this has fuelled speculation about Muhoozi’s political future, no official announcement has been made about a possible appointment to the Vice Presidency.

Jessica Alupo was appointed Vice President in 2021 after previously serving as Minister of Education and Sports. A retired UPDF Major, she became the second woman in Uganda’s history to occupy the position, following Specioza Wandera Kazibwe.

Muhoozi’s statement has therefore added another interesting dimension to the debate about possible changes in Uganda’s leadership. If he eventually leaves the military command position, questions will remain about whether he intends to take up a political office or pursue another responsibility within government.

For now, Muhoozi has not formally declared that he wants to become Vice President, and neither has President Museveni announced any plan to replace Alupo. Whether the CDF was seriously hinting at a political move, making a provocative joke or referring to something else remains unclear, but his remarks have placed the Vice Presidency at the centre of fresh political speculation.