First son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sent shockwaves through the country when he announced he will not challenge his father Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 presidential election. In a surprise move, the General, who has been actively mobilizing support ahead of the 2026 general elections, declared his endorsement for his father’s continued rule through his X account.
For the past two years, Kainerugaba and his supporters, under the political group of the Patriotic League Uganda (PLU), have been actively campaigning across the country. This led many to believe he was poised to succeed his father, who has been in power for nearly four decades.
His recent appointment as Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) in March 2024 further fueled these speculations, with some interpreting it as a strategic move to consolidate his power base. However, he put these speculations to rest in a series of tweets on Saturday morning.
He stated that he would instead be focusing on his role in the military, which he described as “Holy Ground”. He called upon his supporters and the PLU to throw their weight behind President Museveni’s bid for re-election come 2026.
“I would like to announce that i will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on his army. So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next election” Muhoozi tweeted.
This unexpected turn of events has left many wondering about the future of Ugandan politics. Some analysts believe that President Museveni’s next term will be marked by internal power struggles within the ruling family rather than opposition from political parties, many of whom have been co-opted or silenced.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba also took aim at foreign media outlets, accusing them of being poised to exploit his announcement for their own narratives. He asserted that those who weren’t present during Uganda’s struggles for freedom have no right to comment on the country’s political landscape.
The general’s decision not to run in 2026 adds another layer of complexity to the question of succession in Uganda. While he has ruled out a presidential bid for now, his declaration that no civilian would lead Uganda after his father leaves office hints at his future political ambitions.
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The impact of Kainerugaba’s decision on the political scene, particularly within the ruling party, remains to be seen. His call for his supporters to back his father suggests a move towards maintaining party unity, at least for the upcoming election. However, the underlying tensions and power dynamics within the NRM, especially among family members, are unlikely to disappear overnight.
This unexpected development has undoubtedly reshuffled the political deck in Uganda. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the lead up to the 2026 elections and beyond.
