Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to contest the country’s presidency in the 2031 elections, signalling his ambition to eventually succeed his father.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kainerugaba, 52, made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday. He said he would seek Uganda’s highest political office in 2031 and expressed confidence that he would win the election.
The army chief also said he expected to secure 90 percent of the vote with the support of his father, whom he referred to as “Mzee,” a common honorific for Museveni in Uganda. He added that Museveni would serve as his campaign manager.
Kainerugaba has for years been regarded as a potential successor to Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986. He also heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group.
The latest announcement follows his decision to withdraw from the 2026 presidential race. Kainerugaba had previously indicated that he would contest the election but later backed his father, who won another term in office.
Museveni, 81, has now ruled Uganda for more than four decades. Constitutional amendments have removed presidential age and term limits, allowing him to remain eligible for another term. It is, however, unclear whether Museveni intends to contest the 2031 election.
Kainerugaba’s declaration has consequently brought the question of political succession in Uganda back into focus, particularly the possibility of power eventually moving from father to son.
