Son of Uganda’s president withdraws from 2026 election race
KAMPALA – Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni, announced on Saturday that he will not run for president in the upcoming 2026 elections. Instead, he urged his supporters to endorse his father for a seventh term. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for 38 years, is widely anticipated to seek re-election, although he has yet to officially confirm his candidacy.
Kainerugaba, who heads the military, expressed his full support for President Museveni in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. While he is viewed as a potential successor to his father, he has also drawn attention for making controversial statements, including a past threat against Kenya that prompted an apology from Museveni. The opposition has long accused Museveni of attempting to establish a monarchy, a claim he denies. Human rights activists and political opponents, including pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, have criticized the president for alleged abuses against opposition supporters. Wine, who came in second during the last presidential election in 2021, rejected the results, citing irregularities. Museveni, however, has described that election as Uganda’s fairest ever.
Peoplesmind