President Yoweri Museveni’s younger brother, Godfrey Aine Kaguta, has defended the involvement of members of the First Family in government positions, arguing that individuals should be judged based on their ability and service to the country rather than their relationship with the President.Kaguta, who represents Mawogola North County in Parliament, was responding to criticism from former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who accused the government of promoting nepotism by appointing members of Museveni’s family to influential roles.Ssemujju recently claimed that Uganda had become a “family affair”, pointing to the appointments of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Salim Saleh as coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, and First Lady Janet Museveni as Minister of Education and Sports as examples of what he described as family-based leadership.In his response, Kaguta rejected the allegations, saying relatives of the President should not be denied the chance to serve their country simply because of their family connection. He argued that many members of Museveni’s family had contributed to Uganda’s history and national development long before receiving government appointments.Kaguta highlighted the role of Gen Salim Saleh during the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle and pointed to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s military career, saying their service to Uganda existed before they assumed their current positions.“Nobody questioned when Gen Salim Saleh sacrificed and shed blood during the liberation struggle, or when Gen Muhoozi served Uganda in different military assignments,” Kaguta said, questioning why their family background should become an issue only when they occupy public offices.The legislator argued that excluding qualified Ugandans from leadership because they are related to the President would amount to unfair treatment. He said President Museveni has consistently identified and promoted talent among many Ugandans outside his family, adding that relatives should also be assessed based on their competence and performance.Kaguta maintained that public service should be based on ability, commitment and national contribution rather than personal connections. His remarks come amid renewed debate over accusations of nepotism and concerns about the influence of the First Family in Uganda’s political and security affairs.
