Uganda President’s son Muhoozi announces 2031 presidential bid

Muhoozi Kainerugaba Declares Candidacy for 2031

Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to run for president in the 2031 election, positioning himself as a potential successor to his father, who has ruled the country since 1986.

Making the declaration in posts on X on Tuesday night, the 52-year-old Kainerugaba wrote: "I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God." He further stated, "With my great father, Mzee's, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031," referring to his father with the honorific "Mzee".

Kainerugaba, who leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group, has long been viewed as a possible successor to Museveni. He had previously declared he would contest the January 2026 presidential election but ultimately backed out.

The announcement places the question of presidential succession at the centre of Uganda's political debate, though it remains unclear whether Museveni intends to seek another term in 2031. Asked about this by Reuters, government spokesman Alan Kasujja said: "As has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes."

Museveni's Long Rule

President Museveni, now 81, has governed Uganda since 1986 and leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He won a seventh term in the January 2026 election, which was held amid tensions between the government and the opposition.

According to Reuters, Kainerugaba played a key role in securing his father's re-election in the last polls by ordering a crackdown on opponents and cutting the internet. He is also known for fiery posts on social media, including threats to behead leading opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Opposition in Turmoil

Opposition leader Bobi Wine left Uganda for the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life. Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition figure, has been in prison since 2024 and is on trial for treason.

The political climate remains charged, with critics accusing the government of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detentions. The government denies these allegations.