Muhoozi Kainerugaba announces 2031 presidential bid

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the 52-year-old commander of the Ugandan armed forces, has announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2031. Making the announcement via the social media platform X, Kainerugaba indicated he expects to win the election with the support of his father, President Yoweri Museveni.

President Museveni has been in power since 1986 and was recently invested for a seventh term in May 2026. While Kainerugaba has previously expressed interest in the 2026 election before withdrawing to support his father, his latest declaration sets a specific timeline for a potential transition of power within the ruling family.

Kainerugaba currently chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda and holds significant influence within the state apparatus. Although his ambitions have fueled discussions regarding a dynastic succession, the government has not officially confirmed whether the 81-year-old President Museveni intends to retire or seek further terms beyond his current mandate.