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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s son and the country’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced his intention to run for president in 2031.
The head of the office of the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), David Kabanda, announced this during a meeting with hundreds of supporters in Nakasero, Kampala, on Tuesday.
Kabanda told the gathering that Museveni had endorsed Kainerugaba’s intention to succeed him in 2031.
“I’m here to inform you that Gen Muhoozi has instructed me to inform you that he is going to run for President of Uganda in 2031 and beyond,” Kabanda said.
The announcement was met with applause, with supporters chanting, “Yes, our messenger,” in support.
Kabanda recalled a previous occasion when he was tasked with informing Oboth Oboth, the current Speaker of Parliament, that the president had endorsed him for the position.
“You remember when I was at the home of Hon Oboth Oboth’s (current Speaker of Parliament) to inform him that they had told me to inform him that he was to be the next Speaker of Parliament and some people said ‘no’, saying the President had not sanctioned that,” he said.
“I must tell you that this one (Gen Muhoozi’s presidential bid) has been sanctioned by His Excellency the President. So, there is no conflict between the two. The journey has started now.”
Kabanda said the PLU would support members in organising orderly endorsement rallies across Uganda’s 146 districts to secure the required signatures and help Kainerugaba win the 2031 presidential election by 90 per cent.
He said members would first seek Kainerugaba’s approval before proceeding with the endorsement activities.
“Once their requests are approved by the General, members from each district will be required to collect signatures from people who will endorse him. A book containing the credentials of the endorsers will then be taken to Gen Muhoozi,” he said.
Kabanda also urged Ugandans to support Kainerugaba’s presidential ambition, expressing confidence that the PLU’s existing membership could help deliver victory.
“On March 9, 2025, Gen Muhoozi summoned me and told me that he will not be running for President in 2026. He asked us to mobilise to support President Museveni and NRM’s flag bearers,” he said.
“When you needed support, we were there. Now is your turn to reciprocate because we also need your support.”
Museveni has ruled Uganda since seizing power in January 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
He has been in power for more than 40 years and was sworn in for a seventh term in May 2026.
