Inside story! Gen Otafiire Kept Muhoozi and Salim Saleh Waiting for 90 Minutes Before Reminding Them of His Age In Heated Meeting

Veteran minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire reportedly kept Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his uncle, Gen Salim Saleh, waiting for about one hour and 30 minutes before a meeting aimed at resolving their differences.

According to political commentator Andrew Mwenda, who said he accompanied Muhoozi to the meeting in Kapeeka, the gathering followed President Yoweri Museveni’s call for reconciliation after public disagreements between Otafiire and the army chief.

Museveni reportedly assigned Gen Salim Saleh, whose real name is Caleb Akandwanaho, to chair the meeting because he wanted the senior government figures to settle their differences privately rather than exchange criticism in public.

Mwenda recalled that the meeting did not start immediately, saying Otafiire made the delegation wait for one and a half hours before he finally addressed those present.

When he eventually spoke, Otafiire reportedly began by recounting his political history, reminding Saleh about his first journey to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1974, when he was approximately 14 years old.

He also reportedly highlighted the age difference between himself and Muhoozi, noting that the army chief was only a few months old at the time. Otafiire further recalled his experiences in Moshi and his involvement in political mobilisation alongside Museveni.

During the discussions, Mwenda reportedly questioned whether Otafiire, as an elder, should have privately advised Muhoozi instead of allowing their disagreements to escalate publicly. Otafiire reportedly responded that he did not have the army chief’s telephone number.

The dispute had intensified after Otafiire made remarks about a general allegedly favouring violence, prompting Muhoozi to demand an apology and threaten arrest. Otafiire, in turn, declared that he would rather die than live begging. However, Mwenda’s account did not establish whether the meeting ultimately resolved the disagreement.