Ugandan president’s son, Kainerugaba declares bid to succeed father in 2031

KAMPALA — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has formally declared his intention to contest the country’s presidency in 2031, signalling his ambition to succeed his father.

Kainerugaba, 52, made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, putting to rest speculation over whether he would eventually seek Uganda’s highest political office.

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

Kainerugaba, who is Uganda’s army chief and heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group, has for years been regarded as a possible successor to Museveni, who has ruled the East African country since 1986.

The army chief also predicted a landslide victory, saying he would secure 90 per cent of the vote with the support of his father.

“Mzee will be my campaign manager,” he said, referring to Museveni by the honorific commonly used for the president in Uganda.

Kainerugaba had previously expressed his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election but later withdrew and deferred to his father, who went on to win the election.

Museveni, 81, has remained in power for more than four decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

His continued rule has been facilitated by constitutional amendments that removed presidential term and age limits. The changes have enabled him to remain in office beyond the limits that previously applied.

It is not yet clear whether Museveni will seek another term in 2031. If he does, he would be 86 at the time.

Kainerugaba’s declaration has therefore brought the question of Uganda’s political succession into sharper focus, particularly amid longstanding speculation over whether power could eventually pass from father to son.

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