Uganda Defense forces announced Tuesday, that President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been promoted to the position of general.
The move comes a day after Kainerugaba tweeted wry jokes about invading Italy and neighbouring Kenya.
He said his country’s troops could capture Nairobi in two weeks, a comment that has angered many Kenyans including Ugandan opposition leaders.
In a statement, Uganda’s ministry of foreign affairs distanced itself from the remarks.
Kainerugaba is widely regarded as a possible successor to the president, who is 78 years old and has ruled Uganda for more than 35 years.
Kainerugaba, , 48, who was previously a lieutenant, was dropped from his role as commander of Ugandan land forces following his promotion, he will however continue his duties as senior presidential adviser for special operations.
Opposition politicians and groups in Uganda have accused Museveni of grooming his son to take the reins from him after he leaves office. However, Kainerugaba has never declared his intention to replace his father as head of the east African nation.
Recently while celebrating his birthday in April, he spoke of winning power and said he will soon unroll his political plans.