Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and the first son has said he will not contest the presidency in 2026. In an early morning message posted on his X page, Muhoozi said he would instead support his father Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“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. So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections,” Muhoozi said. In another tweet, Muhoozi said, for him, nothing has been more consequential in his life than serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces where he has risen to the highest level possible.
“Nothing on this earth is more holier than UPDF! So, I cannot think of a greater honor than being in UPDF. It is Holy Ground! God bless Holy UPDF and Sacred Uganda forever,” Muhoozi said. For the last close to five years, there has been speculation about Muhoozi’s presidency prospects. On some occasions, he has mused especially on social media that we will stand in 2026 to replace his father.
In line with these expectations earlier this year, Muhoozi started a political pressure group; the Patriotic League of Uganda-PLU which was expected to morph into a political party.
PLU has been appointing coordinators across the country who have been promoting Muhoozi as their 2026 presidential candidate.
But Muhoozi indicated that he is dropping interest in being a presidential candidate in 2026. One senior official in the political opposition who spoke on background for this story said, people should hold their breath for now.
“These people are cunning, his father has indicated many times that he would not be seeking the presidency, but he would eventually do. Until 2026 has come and gone, anything is possible with that family,” the senior official said. He added that for him he is even more concerned about Muhoozi’s other tweet where he said, “No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni.
The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman.” To this senior official, Muhoozi’s presidential interests are as alive now as they were yesterday.
If he wins the 2026 election and he completes his term in 2031, President Museveni who celebrated his 80th birthday on September 15, will have led Uganda for 45 years. And will surely be one of the longest-serving presidents in the history of the world.