In a surprising turn of events, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, announced his decision to withdraw from the 2026 presidential race. This decision, which has stirred conversations across the nation, comes after months of speculation and mobilization efforts by his supporters, who had widely anticipated his candidacy.
In the early hours of Saturday, Kainerugaba took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news with his over 95,000 followers. “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,” the general posted, referring to his current role as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a position he has held since March 2024. He added his full support for his father, President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, stating, “I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”
Kainerugaba, often seen as a potential heir to Uganda’s presidency, emphasized his commitment to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). In another post shortly after, he wrote, “For me, nothing on this earth is more holy than the UPDF! It is Holy Ground!! God bless Holy UPDF and Sacred Uganda forever.” The 50-year-old further warned that Uganda would not be led by civilians after his father’s tenure, signaling a continuity of military influence in the country’s leadership.
Kainerugaba’s decision to step back from the presidential race has drawn mixed reactions. While some of his supporters are disappointed, many have redirected their allegiance to President Museveni, as instructed by Kainerugaba himself. “I urge all my supporters to back President Museveni in the next elections. The future belongs to God, and we shall triumph in His name,” he said, urging unity among his political group, the Patriotic League Uganda (PLU).
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Despite stepping down from his presidential ambitions, Kainerugaba took the opportunity to criticize foreign media, accusing them of distorting the political narrative in Uganda. “Some low-life foreign journalists will write that ‘Museveni’s Son is a Threat to Ugandan Democracy,’” he posted, asserting that such commentary is driven by both internal and foreign enemies looking to destabilize Uganda.
Kainerugaba has long been a controversial figure, known for his outspoken social media presence and strong political influence. Over the past two years, he and his supporters have held several high-profile events, including birthday celebrations, where his candidacy for the 2026 elections was openly discussed. His rise to the position of CDF earlier this year only fueled speculation that he was being groomed to succeed his father.
Political analysts in Uganda have weighed in on Kainerugaba’s decision, with some suggesting that his new military role may have prompted the move. Uganda’s laws prohibit members of the military from engaging in active politics, and his recent appointment may have served as a reminder of this restriction. However, Kainerugaba has previously shown little concern for such legal constraints, continuing to mobilize support for his political ambitions despite his military position.
His withdrawal from the presidential race is not without drama, either. Last month, Kainerugaba publicly criticized his brother-in-law, Odrek Rwabwogo, who is rumored to be eyeing the presidency and enjoys support from some members of the Museveni family. This internal power struggle has sparked concerns about potential divisions within the ruling family, which analysts believe could shape the future of Ugandan politics.
As President Museveni prepares for another term in office, some observers predict that internal family dynamics may overshadow broader political competition. Many opposition parties have been weakened or co-opted into the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), leaving little room for genuine political contestation. For now, the focus remains on how Kainerugaba’s role will evolve and what it means for the future of Uganda’s leadership.
While Kainerugaba has vowed to serve Uganda through the military, his decision to step back from politics has left many wondering if this is merely a temporary retreat. Given his strong influence and widespread support, political pundits believe Kainerugaba will remain a key figure in Uganda’s power landscape, possibly determining when or if Museveni eventually steps down. For now, the nation watches closely as the Museveni dynasty continues to shape the country’s political trajectory ahead of the 2026 elections.