Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that he will not run for president in Uganda’s 2026 elections, instead pledging his support for his father, President Yoweri Museveni, who is expected to seek re-election.
The news of Muhoozi’s withdrawal from the presidential race comes as a shock to his supporters, many of whom had already started mobilizing for his candidacy.
His decision to endorse his 80-year-old father raises questions about Uganda’s political future, the role of the military in governance, and the prospect of leadership change in a country where Museveni has held power since 1986.
“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026,” Muhoozi stated on his official X handle early Saturday morning.
Despite earlier declarations, including a bold statement in May where he declared,
“In the name of all the young people of Uganda and the world… I will stand for the presidency in 2026,” his sudden reversal has left many political analysts and supporters puzzled.
Muhoozi, however, clarified his new position, saying, “I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.” This endorsement signals that Museveni, re-elected in 2021 for a sixth term, may once again contest for the presidency in 2026.
Muhoozi’s U-turn could be interpreted as a political maneuver, possibly reflecting internal dynamics within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Museveni’s tight grip on power.
The move also raises questions about Uganda’s political succession and whether youth leaders like Muhoozi are positioning themselves for future leadership battles.
At a time when youth inclusion in politics is being championed, Muhoozi’s decision might shift conversations towards the continued role of elder statesmen in shaping Uganda’s political landscape.
Muhoozi’s supporters might feel stunned by his decision, the endorsement of his father cements the continuity of Museveni’s leadership. However, the next few years will determine whether this move marks the end of Muhoozi’s political ambitions or a strategic step toward a longer-term goal in Ugandan politics.
