Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to contest the country’s presidential election in 2031.
Kainerugaba, 52, has for years been considered a potential successor to his 81-year-old father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
The Ugandan President’s son announced his intention to contest in a series of posts on X on Tuesday.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said.
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, using an honorific reference to Museveni.
Kainerugaba, who leads a political pressure group known as the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously indicated that he would contest the January presidential election but later backed out.
He also played a key role in Museveni’s re-election campaign in the January polls, amid accusations by opposition figures that the government cracked down on opponents and restricted internet access during the election period.
Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement, has been in power since 1986. His government has faced allegations of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detentions, which it has denied.
The country’s main opposition leader, Bobi Wine, fled to the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his safety.
Another veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in prison since 2024 and is facing trial on treason-related charges.
The Ugandan President’s son has also drawn controversy over his social media posts, including threats directed at Bobi Wine.
Asked whether Museveni would seek another term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters that the President and the ruling party would make a decision when the time comes