In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced he will not run for president in 2026, endorsing his father, President Yoweri Museveni, for re-election.
- Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for 38 years, faces ongoing criticism from opposition groups and human rights activists over his leadership and election practices.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni, announced on Saturday that he will not run for the presidency in the upcoming 2026 elections. Instead, he urged his supporters to endorse his father for a seventh term in office.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kainerugaba stated, “I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026,” expressing his full support for President Museveni.
The 80-year-old president, who has ruled Uganda for 38 years, is widely expected to seek re-election, although he has yet to officially confirm his candidacy.
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Kainerugaba, currently the head of Uganda’s military, has been considered a potential successor to his father but has also made headlines for his controversial remarks.
In 2022, Museveni publicly apologized to Kenya after Kainerugaba threatened on Twitter to invade the neighboring country.
Opposition groups in Uganda have long accused Museveni of attempting to establish a monarchy, a claim the president denies.
Since taking power in 1986, Museveni has changed the constitution twice to extend his rule.
Human rights activists and political opponents, including pop star turned politician Bobi Wine, have accused him of using security forces to intimidate and silence dissent. Museveni has consistently rejected these allegations.
Bobi Wine, who finished second in the last presidential election in 2021, has disputed the election results, citing claims of ballot stuffing, intimidation, and the abduction of supporters. Museveni described that election as Uganda’s fairest ever.