Uganda's president elevates his son's army powers

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Uganda's president has made his son a one-star general and appointed him commander of the country's special forces, leading some Ugandans to conclude that the son is being groomed to succeed his father.

In changes announced on Monday, Col. Muhoozi Kainerugaba was made a brigadier-general, the latest promotion in the 38-year-old's quick rise through the ranks. Some Ugandans have long believed that President Yoweri Museveni, who took power by force in 1986, is nurturing his son to eventually take over from him when he retires. Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a political historian at Uganda's Makerere University, said the promotion gives that credence.

In his new role Kainerugaba, who received some military training at the elite Sandhurst British academy, will be the chief protector of his father and resources such as oil wells.