Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba./SCREENGRABUganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has stepped up his presidential ambitions, declaring that he expects 90 per cent of the vote in the 2031 election with the backing of his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
Muhoozi made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, alongside a photograph of himself with Museveni.
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” Muhoozi wrote.
The declaration comes days after the military chief publicly announced his intention to seek Uganda’s highest office in 2031.
In an earlier post, Muhoozi said he would “stand for the highest office in the land in 2031” and expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious.
"Let's take a quick poll; all those who will vote for me in 2031 retweet and like," Muhoozi tweeted.
His latest comments have further fuelled speculation over Uganda’s succession after Museveni, who has ruled the country for decades.
Muhoozi was previously linked to a possible presidential bid in the 2026 election but did not contest, instead backing his father.
His renewed political push has now placed him at the centre of Uganda’s succession debate, with his Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) movement also resuming grassroots mobilisation following the 2026 elections.
The organisation held its first post-election baraza last weekend at Humura Playground in Kyegegwa District, bringing together PLU leaders and supporters from Tooro, Bunyoro, Greater Mubende and neighbouring areas.
PLU officials described the gathering as the beginning of a renewed grassroots mobilisation drive as the organisation seeks to strengthen its presence across the country.
The movement has also been reorganising its structures following leadership changes announced by Muhoozi in June.
Muhoozi’s political ambitions have been the subject of sustained debate in Uganda.
A presidential bid would put Uganda’s long-running succession debate firmly in the spotlight and test whether Museveni’s political influence can be transferred to his son.
The declaration also comes amid heightened scrutiny of Uganda’s political environment following the 2026 presidential election.
Muhoozi's declaration for the presidency also comes days after Museveni celebrated another milestone within his family, congratulating his grandson Ruhamya Kainerugaba after his graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
In a message to Ugandans, Museveni said he was grateful to God for protecting the country and praised the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for what he described as more than 60 years of service.
“Now, God has blessed me with one of my grandchildren, Ruhamya, joining my big family of UPDF, having graduated, with his colleague, Bakyira, from Sandhurst recently,” Museveni said.
“Congratulations Ruhamya, congratulations Bakyira.”
Museveni also congratulated the parents of the two young officers and encouraged young Ugandans to consider military service, saying it provides a good foundation.
Ruhamya, the son of Muhoozi, completed the 44-week Officer Commissioning Course at Sandhurst and graduated alongside fellow Ugandan cadet Andrew Bakira Ruyondo.
The two were among 247 cadets commissioned during the ceremony.
