Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba withdraws presidential bid, endorses Museveni for 2026

In a surprising turn of events, Uganda’s first son and the Commander of the Defense Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced that he would not be on the ballot for the 2026 presidential elections. The announcement came in the form of a tweet that has since sparked widespread discussion among political commentators, Ugandans, and international observers.

The tweet read: “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. So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”

A Reverberating Decision

The decision comes after months of speculation surrounding Muhoozi’s potential candidacy for the presidency. His rising influence within the country, coupled with his frequent hints on social media, had led many to believe that he would contest in the 2026 elections, possibly taking over the mantle from his father, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.

However, Muhoozi’s tweet indicates a shift in focus. His mention of divine guidance suggests that his decision was deeply personal, framed around faith and a sense of duty to his current military role. As the head of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Muhoozi has been a central figure in both national defense and regional security efforts. His new focus, as he mentioned, is on God’s army, interpreted by many as a reference to the military and his desire to strengthen the country’s defense.

The Museveni Endorsement

Equally significant in his tweet was Muhoozi’s public endorsement of President Museveni for the 2026 elections. This move is seen as a solidification of Museveni’s long-term leadership and a signal to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) that the first son is not planning to disrupt the current power structure, at least for now.

The endorsement reinforces the close bond between father and son, while also serving as a strong statement of loyalty to the NRM establishment. Muhoozi’s support is likely to galvanize his youthful and influential following, ensuring a continued consolidation of power around Museveni.

Implications for Uganda’s Political Landscape

Muhoozi’s withdrawal from the 2026 race has far-reaching implications for Uganda’s political landscape. Speculation had been rife about a generational shift within the country’s leadership, and many had looked to Muhoozi as a potential future president. His decision to step back may dampen the expectations of those seeking change or a fresh face in Ugandan politics.

However, his endorsement of Museveni also signals continuity within the NRM, giving the president a strong backing from within the military establishment. This development strengthens Museveni’s position heading into the elections, providing stability within the ruling party.

A Future President?

Despite his withdrawal from the 2026 race, many believe that Muhoozi’s political ambitions may only be delayed, not abandoned. With a significant portion of Uganda’s youth aligning themselves with him due to his social media presence and his perceived dynamism, his political journey is far from over.

His tweet may reflect a tactical decision—allowing him to focus on his military duties and gain further experience—while keeping his political aspirations alive for a future time. For now, however, Uganda’s leadership under President Museveni seems more secure than ever, with his son standing firmly by his side.

The nation waits to see how this endorsement will play out in the coming years, as Uganda heads toward the 2026 elections with President Museveni, once again, in the political spotlight.