First son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ruled out running for president in 2026. The Muhoozi big announcement ends years of speculation that he was angling to succeed his father Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni in 2026.
Muhoozi’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and MK Movement have been marketing the first son and army chief as the perfect successor to the throne his father has firmly held since 1986 when he took power following a five-year bush war that claimed hundreds of thousands of people.
It was widely expected that Muhoozi Kainerugaba would quit the army to start pursuing his presidential ambitions. But in a twist, he announced he would back his father for five more years at State House.
“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,” wrote Muhoozi.
“So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”
The Muhoozi big announcement came days after Museveni, who recently turned 80, made it clear he would seek reelection for a seventh consecutive term. If Museveni wins in 2026, he will extend his rule to 45 years at the helm.
Muhoozi sought to convince his supporters why he valued the army. “For me NOTHING on this earth is more Holier than UPDF! So, I cannot think of a greater honour than being in UPDF. It is Holy Ground! God bless Holy UPDF and Sacred Uganda forever!” wrote the first son.
He was brought back into the UPDF’s leadership in March 2024 to become the CDF in a reshuffle that saw some of his key allies like Balaam Barugahara and Lillian Aber appointed junior ministers. (See Details Here and There).
Years ago, Muhoozi announced he had retired from the army but quickly reversed his decision, pushing it to 2030. The year 2031 is when some claim Museveni will peacefully hand over power. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
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