Uganda President Museveni’s son declares 2031 presidential ambition

Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced his intention to contest the country’s presidency in 2031, potentially positioning himself to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni.

Kainerugaba, 52, made the announcement in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, declaring that he would contest the next presidential election.

“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” he wrote.

He also expressed confidence that he could secure 90 per cent of the vote with the backing of his father, whom he referred to as “Mzee”, a popular honorific for Museveni.

Kainerugaba has long been regarded as a possible successor to the Ugandan president. He currently leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group.

He had earlier indicated that he would contest the 2026 presidential election but subsequently withdrew his ambition.

Museveni begins another term

Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and remains the leader of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He secured a seventh term in office in the January 2026 election, extending his presidency to nearly four decades.

The election took place amid heightened political tensions involving the government and opposition groups. Opposition leader Bobi Wine relocated to the United States earlier this year, citing concerns for his safety.

Another leading opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since 2024 and is facing a treason trial.

It remains uncertain whether Museveni will seek another term when the country heads to the polls in 2031.

When Reuters asked whether the president would contest again, government spokesman Alan Kasujja said Museveni and the NRM would decide “when the time comes”.

Kainerugaba’s declaration has nevertheless brought the issue of political succession into sharper focus as Uganda looks ahead to the 2031 presidential election.