President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda is regarded as the political godfather in East Africa, most especially in Rwanda and South Sudan where the respective heads of states of those countries admire his leadership and try to copy his style of governance.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Museveni are political cousins and their relationship stemmed way back during the NRA struggle and Rwanda’s darkest moments during the Rwanda genocide.
Whereas President Kiir of South Sudan and Museveni of Uganda developed political bonds after the death of Museveni’s long term friend, Dr. John Garang de Mabior in an helicopter crush following a brief unofficial meeting with Museveni in his home village. Dr. John Garang was the first vice president of the Sudan and the chairman of the SPLM.
Museveni, Kagame and Kiir have been accused of dictatorship and nepotism by their political opponents.
Speculations have it that Museveni, Kagame and Kiir are grooming their sons to become their successors once they exit the higher chair.
In East Africa, it is only in Kenya where a son of a former president, Jomo Kenyatta became a president. President Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo Kenyatta was democratically elected to become the president of Kenya in 2013. He was never groomed for the seat but he found his way through.
Here are the potential successors to their respective fathers:
UGANDA
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a high-ranking Ugandan military officer who currently serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), making him the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Born on April 24, 1974, he is the son of Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and First Lady Janet Museveni. He is widely regarded by political analysts as his father’s handpicked political successor.
RWANDA
Major Ian Kigenza Kagame, President Kagame’s 29-year-old third-born son serving in the Republican Guard, an elite unit of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), responsible for the protection of the Head of State and other top leadership.
Ian Kigenza enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in 2021, graduating on the 22nd August 2022, and was commissioned to the rank of 2nd lieutenant at the eponymous ceremony.
He was promoted to the rank of Major in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on September 1, 2024, after serving as a Captain for approximately nine months.
SOUTH SUDAN
Major General Atem Salva Kiir Mayardit is the son of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit. He recently made significant headlines following rapid military promotions and a high-profile command appointment.
Presidential Guard Appointment: On September 9, 2026, President Salva Kiir appointed Major General Atem as the new Commander of the Tiger Division (the Republican Presidential Guard). He succeeded Major General Deng Madhang in this role.
Dual Command Role: Alongside leading the Tiger Division, he was also placed in charge of the National Security Special Forces until further notice to consolidate strategic military leadership.
Rapid Promotions: His rise through the ranks has been swift; he was promoted to Brigadier General in February 2026 and elevated to Major General just days before taking over the presidential guard.
Reaction: According to reports by Radio Tamazuj and local outlets, the appointment has drawn mixed reactions and some public criticism regarding nepotism and representation, given his status as the President’s son.
