KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has declared his intention to run for president in 2031, expressing confidence that he could secure 90 per cent of the vote with the backing of his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
Muhoozi made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, alongside a photograph of himself with President Museveni.
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support, I will get 90pc in the elections in 2031,” Muhoozi wrote.
The declaration came shortly after Muhoozi publicly stated that he would seek Uganda’s highest office in 2031.
In another post, he said he would “stand for the highest office in the land in 2031” and expressed confidence that he would win the election.
Muhoozi signals succession ambitions
The latest statements provide one of the clearest indications yet that Muhoozi intends to pursue the presidency and potentially succeed his father, who has ruled Uganda for decades.
Muhoozi had previously been associated with speculation about a possible presidential bid in the 2026 election. He ultimately did not contest and instead supported Museveni.
His renewed declaration has now placed him at the centre of Uganda’s long-running succession debate.
Muhoozi’s political activities have also been closely associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) movement, which has continued grassroots mobilisation following the 2026 elections.
Questions over Muhoozi’s popularity
Although Muhoozi has emerged as one of the most prominent figures linked to Uganda’s succession debate, questions remain over his ability to translate his political visibility into broad public support.
A recent study published in African Affairs found that Muhoozi was widely viewed as a leading potential successor to Museveni but recorded lower public approval than his father.
The study reported that 35 per cent of surveyed respondents approved of Muhoozi, compared with 54 per cent who approved of Museveni.
The figures suggest that while Muhoozi has significant political visibility, his popularity remains considerably below that of the veteran president.
His prediction of winning 90 per cent of the vote therefore represents an ambitious projection rather than an established electoral outcome.
Museveni’s influence could shape succession
A presidential campaign by Muhoozi would place the question of whether Museveni’s political influence can be transferred to his son at the heart of Uganda’s 2031 election.
Museveni has governed Uganda for decades, giving him a powerful political network and substantial influence within the country’s political system.
Muhoozi’s latest comments suggest that he views his father’s support as central to his electoral prospects.
The extent to which Museveni would formally back his son’s presidential campaign, however, remains a matter that will become clearer as the 2031 election approaches.
Bobi Wine and Uganda’s political tensions
Muhoozi’s declaration also comes amid continued political tensions surrounding Uganda’s opposition.
Musician and opposition politician Bobi Wine, who contested the 2026 presidential election, is currently in the United States amid concerns over his safety and the possibility of arrest if he returns to Uganda.
Several of Wine’s associates have reportedly faced arrests and threats of prosecution.
The opposition leader has also raised concerns over the treatment of political opponents, with comparisons being drawn to the prolonged detention of opposition politician Kizza Besigye.
The developments have renewed debate over political freedoms, opposition activity and the state of democracy in Uganda.
