Son Of Uganda’s 81-Year-Old Museveni, In Power For 40 Years, Says He’ll Run For President In 2031
Son Of Uganda’s 81-Year-Old Museveni, In Power For 40 Years, Says He’ll Run For President In 2031
Kainerugaba, 52, has long been touted as a possible successor to his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has said he will contest the country’s presidency in 2031.
Kainerugaba, 52, has long been touted as a possible successor to his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
He made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday night.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said.
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, using an honorific reference to his 81-year-old father.
Kainerugaba, who leads a political pressure group called the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously declared that he would contest the January election but ultimately backed out.
He 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, according to Reuters.
Kainerugaba is also known for fiery posts on social media, including threats to behead leading opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Museveni, who heads the ruling National Resistance Movement, has ruled Uganda since 1986. Critics have accused his government of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detentions. The government denies the allegations.
Bobi Wine fled to the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life, while another veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in prison since 2024 and is on trial for treason.
When asked whether Museveni would seek another term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters, “as has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes.”
