Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has declared his intention to seek the country’s presidency in 2031
The development is putting a fresh spotlight on the question of succession after four decades of rule by his father, President Yoweri Museveni
Kainerugaba, 52, made the declaration in a series of posts on X, five years ahead of the scheduled election
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031 And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” he said.
He further said he expected to secure overwhelming support with Museveni behind his candidacy
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” Kainerugaba said
The declaration marks a renewed indication of the military chief’s presidential ambitions after he previously signalled an intention to contest the January election before withdrawing from the race
Instead, Kainerugaba became a prominent figure in Museveni’s campaign for another term, helping the veteran leader secure re-election
Museveni, 81, has governed Uganda since 1986 under the ruling National Resistance Movement, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders
His son’s latest announcement comes as renewed attention focuses on what happens to the NRM leadership beyond Museveni’s current political era
Kainerugaba heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group, and has for years been regarded as one of the figures with ambitions to succeed his father
His political activities and outspoken presence on social media have, however, generated controversy, including posts in which he threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine
Wine left Uganda for the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his safety
Another leading opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been detained since 2024 and is facing trial on treason related charges
Museveni’s government has also faced allegations of torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detention of opponents and critics Authorities have denied the allegations.
The January election, in which Kainerugaba supported his father, was similarly marked by opposition accusations of a crackdown on political opponents and restrictions on internet access
Despite the growing speculation over succession, the government has not confirmed whether Museveni himself intends to seek another term
Asked about the president’s plans, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters that Museveni and the ruling party would decide when the time comes
Kainerugaba’s 2031 declaration consequently places the succession question firmly back in Uganda’s political debate, even as Museveni remains at the centre of the NRM’s leadership