KAMPALA, Sept 21 – Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, announced on Saturday that he would not run in the 2026 presidential election, urging his followers to support his father instead.
Kainerugaba, who currently heads Uganda’s military, shared his decision on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying, “I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026.” He endorsed Museveni for another term, calling on his supporters to back the long-serving leader.
Museveni, who has governed Uganda for 38 years, is expected to seek re-election, although he has not yet confirmed his candidacy. Kainerugaba has been widely regarded as his father’s likely successor but has sparked controversy, including a 2022 incident when Museveni had to apologize to Kenya after Kainerugaba threatened to invade the neighboring country.
Critics of Museveni, including the opposition, have accused him of trying to establish a dynastic rule, which he denies. Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986 and has twice amended the constitution to extend his tenure.
Human rights groups and opposition figures, such as former pop star turned politician Bobi Wine, accuse Museveni of using security forces to suppress dissent, including alleged intimidation, arrests, and torture of opposition supporters. Museveni has denied these allegations. Wine, who came second in the 2021 presidential race, rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and voter intimidation.
