Who Is Who? VP Alupo Forced To Travel By Car Like A Commoner While First Son Muhoozi Flies High In Luxurious Jet To Kigali Ahead Of Kagame’s Swearing In

As the inauguration of Paul Kagame for his fifth term as Rwanda’s president approaches, some Ugandans are abuzz with curiosity over the differing modes of transport chosen by two high-ranking officials attending the ceremony.

Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo and First Son, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have opted for distinct travel arrangements, leaving some to wonder about the significance of their choices.

While Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba arrived at Kigali International Airport aboard a chartered Uganda Airlines flight, accompanied by notable figures such as Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI) Maj Gen James Birungi and The Independent Magazine boss Andrew Mwenda, VP Alupo chose to travel by road.

Her journey took her across the Katuna border, where she was received by the Minister of Environment of Rwanda and the Ambassador of Uganda to Rwanda.

The disparity in their travel arrangements has sparked a flurry of comments, with some drawing comparisons between the two officials.

Journalist Andrew Bagala expressed surprise at the differing treatment, questioning how President Museveni views such distinctions. University professor Moses Khisa, however, suggested that VP Alupo’s choice of travel might be deliberate, echoing the preferences of the president himself.

John Tugume offered a more nuanced perspective, highlighting that the vice president’s travel arrangements are often distinct from those of other high-ranking officials, such as the prime minister, Speaker, and ministers.

“I don’t know how President Museveni looks at such treatment of his top officials,” wondered journalist Andrew Bagala.

“The Vice President of Uganda travelled to Kigali, Rwanda, by road while the army chief, who is his son, was flown in a chartered Uganda Airline plane to the same place on the same day.”

To which University professor Moses Khisa responded: “Ndugu Andrew, it’s really on you if you believe Ms. Alupo is Uganda’s Vice President!”

“Probably this was by choice. Just like the big man does if he’s moving to Kigali. Even within Uganda, it’s not common for the VP to use choppers, while many others (prime minister, Speaker, Deputy, IGP, Commissioner of Prisons, ministers) use them often times,” wrote John Tugume.

This incident has reignited debates about the dynamics within Uganda’s leadership and the symbolism behind their choices.As Kagame prepares to take the oath of office on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Amahoro Stadium, the eyes of Ugandans will be on their representatives in attendance.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s history, with Kagame’s reelection sparking both admiration and concern. Amidst this backdrop, the travels of VP Alupo and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba serve as a reminder of the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics at play in the region.