Kampala, Uganda – In a surprise twist, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has announced he will not run in the 2026 presidential election.
Kainerugaba, head of the Ugandan defense forces, made the announcement on social media platform X on Saturday. “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 first,” Muhoozi said on X.
“So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”
Museveni has not said explicitly if he will seek a seventh term.
“All my millions of supporters. All the supporters of PLU. We shall all of us, as one man and without exception support President Museveni in 2026. The future belongs to our mighty God alone, and we shall triumph in His name.”
“No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Kainerugaba said.
Muhoozi however, urged PLU members who would wish to contest for the various parliamentary positions to go ahead because nothing can stop them, advising them to subscribe to the National Resistance Movement. “PLU is a civic organisation not a political party. You are absolutely free to contest. For now I advise you to subscribe to NRM. That’s the political party that is most closely aligned to our values.” He stated on his X handle
This development comes after Kainerugaba had previously expressed interest in contesting the presidency, citing the need for “fresh blood” in Ugandan politics.
President Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986 and has not explicitly stated whether he will seek a seventh term. Kainerugaba’s endorsement suggests the Museveni dynasty may continue its grip on power.
Controversy surrounds Kainerugaba’s statement that “no civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman.” This comment raises concerns about the military’s role in Uganda’s politics.
Museveni’s rule has been marked by authoritarianism, with the 2021 election marred by intimidation, arrests, and violence, resulting in over 50 deaths. The opposition disputed the official results, which gave Museveni 58% of the vote.
Kainerugaba’s sudden withdrawal and endorsement of his father have sparked debate about Uganda’s democratic future.
