The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has thrown a spanner in the works of his supporters after declaring he will not stand for president in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026,” Gen Muhoozi announced in a post on X( formerly Twitter).
He said, “Almighty God told me to focus on his army first. So I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.
This announcement marks a significant moment in Uganda’s political landscape, where Muhoozi’s influence both as a military leader and political figure has been steadily rising.
Known for his active presence on social media, Muhoozi has previously hinted at interest in the country’s highest office, sparking debate about the future of Ugandan leadership post-Museveni.
The announcement has thrown the spanner in the works and rattled Gen Muhoozi’s supporters who have been in high gear both on ground and social media mobilizing for him to come in the forthcoming polls.
The latest development will also leave several politicians naked, since many of them were aligned to Gen Muhoozi seeking his favour ahead of the forthcoming 2026 general election.
It remains to be seen if many of these will continue being aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba ahead of the next polls.
Controversy
Gen Muhoozi has for long been seen as controversial, especially owing to his posts on social media which has rattled many.
For example last year, he announced on social media that he will be standing in 2026.
“You have wanted me to say it forever! Okay, in the name of Jesus Christ my God, in the name of all the young people of Uganda and the world and in the name of our great revolution, I will stand for the Presidency in 2026!,” he posted.
He had earlier posted, “My great father told the whole world in 1980 that he would go to the bush if the elections were rigged. We believe in the same things... we always have. I'm now informing my countrymen and women. I will stand for the Presidency of Uganda in 2026.”
He would however later delete all these posts on social media.
Speaking early this year, political analyst, Imam Kasozi warned that Gen Muhoozi risks missing out on ever being president if he fails to secure the seat in 2026.
"In my strong view, unless President Museveni is preparing Muhoozi for 2026, it is highly unlikely that he will become the President of Uganda after missing this opportunity," he said while appearing on NBS Morning Breeze.
He insisted that after 2026, the political landscape and dynamics will significantly change.
"You would be surprised. Some people may not support him at that time," he added.
Whereas previously, Gen Muhoozi has not openly hinted about running for president in 2026 or has deleted posts on social media where he declared so, his actions have been interpreted as speaking this.
For example, the mobilisation tours and rallies he previously attended as part of the Patriotic League of Uganda have been interpreted as laying ground for his presidential bid in 2026.
He has however maintained that his activities are not politically motivated.
Gen Muhoozi was also accused of violating the law by engaging in partisan politics despite still being a serving army officer.