Museveni’s son Gen Muhoozi Declares Uganda’s Presidential Bid in 2031 Polls
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially announced his bid to run for President in 2031, reviving his long-standing ambition to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
This development was announced by Mr David Kabanda, the head of the office of the chairman of Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) during a meeting held in Nakasero Kampala on Tuesday, September 1.
The meeting was attended by a section of Members of Parliament representing different regions of Uganda, PLU national coordinators and supporters, among others.
Mr Kabanda, who was in a jubilant mode, informed members present that Gen Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential bid is also backed by his father, President Museveni.
“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,” Mr Kabanda told hundreds of supporters who responded to his announcement with a thunderous applause, as they chanted, “yes, our messenger” to affirm their support and cooperation.
“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. I must tell you that this one (Gen Muhoozi’s presidential bid) has been sanctioned by His excellence the President. So, there is no conflict between the two. The journey has started now. We want to hear the enthusiasm on ground. Gen Muhoozi assigned LC III chairpersons from Butambala District to endorse him first,” Mr Kabanda explained.
He said PLU will immediately embark on supporting members to carry out orderly endorsement rallies in 146 districts of Uganda to secure the required signatures and ensure Gen Muhoozi wins the 2031 presidential election by 90 percent. He advised those who wish to participate in the exercise to write to PLU seeking for approval.
“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.
Mr Kabanda tasked members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the people of Uganda to support PLU’s Presidential bid.
He expressed optimism that the current membership can still lead PLU to victory, noting that the ruling NRM party started with 41 people and 27 guns and managed to take over power.
“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 mobile to support President Museveni and NRM’s flag bearers. When you needed support, we were there. Now is your turn to reciprocate because we also need your support,” he said.
Gen Muhoozi had previously expressed interest in the 2026 presidential race, but later withdrew to back President Museveni.
Mr Michael Mawanda, PLU’s director for mobilisation, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Igara East, Bushenyi District, said after collecting 19 million signatures, the next step shall be announced.
He said at an appropriate time, Gen Muhoozi will unveil his manifesto, retire from the army and start canvassing for votes ahead of the 2031 General Election.
Mr Twaibu Achile, the deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Pakwach District, said the endorsement is timely and expressed his willingness to support Gen Muhoozi.
“We are here happily launching and endorsing him for 2031. Right now, we have President Museveni, but in 2031, the General will be on the ballot and we are going to be behind him in full force,” Mr Achile said.
Mr Stephenson Yoyo Lokoru, Member of Parliament for Chekwii East Constituency, Nakapiripirit District, said Uganda needs young blood with new ideologies.
“President Museveni has done a big job. The country is now stable. But because Muhoozi is working with government, we feel if he takes over, Uganda will be develop faster. As patriotic leader, I appreciate Gen Muhoozi for fighting against corruption,” Mr Yoyo said.