Uganda’s President Museveni’s Son Declares Intention to Contest for President in 2031
Military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba says he will seek the presidency in 2031 with his father’s backing
- Muhoozi announces 2031 presidential bid
- Museveni’s son seeks Uganda’s top office
- Muhoozi predicts 90% victory with father’s backing
Uganda’s military chief and President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to contest the country’s presidency in 2031.
The 52-year-old made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, saying he would contest the election and predicting a decisive victory with the backing of his father.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba wrote.
He later claimed that he could secure 90% of the vote if supported by Museveni, whom he referred to as “Mzee.”
Kainerugaba currently serves as Uganda’s military chief and heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group that has helped raise his profile in the country.
His announcement revives long-standing speculation that he could eventually succeed his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
Kainerugaba had previously expressed an intention to contest the January 2026 presidential election but later abandoned the plan and backed his father instead. Museveni, 81, went on to secure another term.
The military chief has attracted controversy over provocative statements on social media, including threats directed at opposition leader Bobi Wine.
He was also prominent during the January election period, when security forces cracked down on opposition activities and authorities restricted internet access.
Uganda’s government has repeatedly faced allegations from opposition groups and human rights organisations of torture, arbitrary detention, abductions and other abuses. Authorities have denied the allegations.
Bobi Wine left Uganda for the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his safety, while veteran opposition politician Kizza Besigye has remained in detention since 2024 while facing treason charges.
It remains uncertain whether President Museveni intends to seek another term in 2031.
Government spokesman Alan Kasujja said Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement would decide on the president’s future political plans when the time comes.
Kainerugaba’s declaration is expected to intensify debate over Uganda’s political succession and longstanding claims by critics that power could eventually pass from Museveni to a member of his family.
