JUST IN: Uganda military chief Kainerugaba says he will run for president in 2031

Politics

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the country’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to run for president in 2031.

Newpost Africa reports that Kainerugaba, 52, has long been regarded as a potential successor to his father and has gained prominence for his outspoken and often controversial posts on social media, including threats against leading opposition figure Bobi Wine.

He also played a key role in his father’s re-election campaign in the January polls, during which security forces cracked down on opponents and internet access was restricted.

“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said in one of a series of posts on X late Tuesday.

“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, using an honorific reference to his 81-year-old father.

Kainerugaba, who leads a political pressure group known as the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously declared that he would contest the last presidential election in January but ultimately backed out.

Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has governed Uganda since 1986. His administration has faced accusations from critics of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detention. The government has denied the allegations.

Uganda’s main opposition leader, Bobi Wine, fled to the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life. Another veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in prison since 2024 and is facing trial for treason.

The announcement by Kainerugaba adds to growing speculation over Uganda’s political succession, given his close relationship with the president and his increasingly prominent role in the country’s political affairs.

Newpost Africa reports that when asked whether Museveni would seek another term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters that the president and the ruling party would make that decision when the time comes.

“As has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes,” Kasujja said.