Uganda’s military chief and presidential son Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that he plans to run for the country’s top office in 2031, reviving long-running speculation that he is being positioned to eventually succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
Kainerugaba, 52, said in a series of posts on X late Tuesday that he intended to contest the presidential election and predicted a sweeping victory with his father’s backing.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba wrote.
He later said he expected to secure 90% of the vote if supported by Museveni, whom he referred to by the honorific “Mzee.”
Kainerugaba currently serves as Uganda’s military chief and also leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political pressure group that has helped build his public profile.
He has for years been viewed as a potential successor to Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Kainerugaba previously said he intended to run in Uganda’s January 2026 presidential election before abandoning those plans and supporting his father instead.
His political ambitions have attracted controversy because of his frequent provocative statements on social media, including threats directed at opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Kainerugaba also played a prominent role during the January election period, when security forces launched a crackdown on opposition activity and authorities restricted internet access.
Museveni, now 81, secured another term in that election.
Uganda’s government has repeatedly faced accusations from opposition groups and rights organisations of torture, arbitrary detention, abductions and other abuses. Authorities have denied those allegations.
The country’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, left Uganda for the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life. Veteran opposition politician Kizza Besigye has meanwhile remained in detention since 2024 while facing treason charges.
It remains unclear whether Museveni himself intends to seek another term in 2031.
Asked about the president’s plans, government spokesman Alan Kasujja said Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement would make a decision when the time came.
Kainerugaba’s declaration is likely to intensify debate over Uganda’s political succession and longstanding claims by Museveni’s critics that power could eventually be transferred within the president’s family.