President Yoweri Museveni‘s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba who had earlier declared his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election, announced on Saturday that he would end his election bid and support his father instead.
The announcement is a clear confirmation that Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, will seek a seventh term.
“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on His Army first,” his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on X.
“So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”
Although the 80-year-old president has not officially announced that he will stay in power, his son’s announcement seems to have confirmed that Museveni will run again, as his party has endorsed him as their presidential candidate.
Kainerugaba is viewed by many in the East African nation as the heir to his father’s dynasty.
Having received training at Sandhurst, a prestigious British military academy, he has experienced a rapid ascent. Currently, he holds the position of head of the Ugandan defence forces, making him the foremost military official in the country.
“No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Kainerugaba added.
In a previous statement, Kainerugaba declared his plan to run in the 2026 election, emphasising the need for new leadership in Ugandan politics.
Museveni has maintained a firm grip on power in Uganda since ousting President Milton Obote in 1986.
He secured his sixth term in 2021 with 58% of the vote, as reported by official sources, although the opposition criticised the election as a sham.
The election campaign was characterised by intimidation and arrests and resulted in over 50 fatalities.
