Uganda President’s Son Declares Bid to Succeed Father in 2031
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has formally declared his intention to contest the country’s presidency in 2031, signalling his ambition to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
Kainerugaba, 52, made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, ending years of speculation over whether he would eventually seek Uganda’s highest political office.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” he said.
Kainerugaba, who also leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group, has long been regarded as a potential successor to Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
The army chief predicted a decisive victory in the 2031 election, saying he would secure 90 per cent of the vote with the backing of his father.
“Mzee will be my campaign manager,” he said, using the honorific commonly associated with Museveni in Uganda.
Kainerugaba had previously indicated an intention to contest the 2026 presidential election but subsequently withdrew from the race and deferred to his father, who went on to secure another term.
Museveni, 81, has been in power for more than four decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
His continued tenure has been enabled by constitutional amendments that abolished presidential term and age limits, allowing him to seek office beyond restrictions that previously applied.
It remains uncertain whether Museveni will contest the 2031 election. Should he do so, he would be 86 years old at the time.
Kainerugaba’s declaration has consequently intensified debate over Uganda’s political succession and renewed speculation that the country’s presidency could eventually pass from father to son.
His entry into the 2031 race is also likely to place greater focus on the role of the military and the ruling establishment in determining Uganda’s political future.
