In a surprising turn of events, Ugandan President Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has seemingly put a halt to his son’s 2026 presidential aspirations. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s MK Movement has transformed into the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), now a civic organization registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), rather than a political party sanctioned by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Anticipation had surrounded Gen Muhoozi’s supposed announcements for 2024, including retirement from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the formation of a political party, and a roadmap for party structures. However, the first son, also serving as his father’s senior advisor on special operations, declared the shift to PLU without divulging details about his 2026 presidential aspirations.
President Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) swiftly clarified that the 79-year-old leader would be the party’s presidential candidate in 2026. During the NRM Day event in Serere District, party secretary general Richard Todwong confirmed Museveni’s candidacy, stating, “[Museveni] will be our flag bearer come 2026, and he is ready to serve the country.”
Todwong went on to dismiss the disagreements between supporters of Museveni and Muhoozi as illogical, attributing them to internal power struggles. He described the factions as “tributaries to take water to the main river” and criticized their motivations as fights for positions and limited opportunities.
This development comes after Museveni had previously cautioned Muhoozi against individuals pushing for his 2026 presidential candidacy, citing underlying interests within the MK Movement. The transition within the First Family is further complicated by the shift from the MK Movement to PLU, with supporters crossing over.
Despite Muhoozi expressing impatience with waiting for power transition and suggesting a succession plan in which he takes over from his father, the launch of PLU suggests a potential delay in his ambitions, possibly shifting the game plan from 2026 to 2031.
Several indicators support this theory. Muhoozi, who previously announced his retirement from the army, has extended his retirement year to 2030. Justice Minister Norbert Mao claimed that Museveni agreed to peacefully hand over power in 2031, a claim Museveni later disputed, hinting at a potential strain in their agreement.
MK Movement and PLU spokesperson Andrew Mwenda, however, maintains that Museveni will be on the ballot paper in both 2026 and 2031, as long as he remains alive.
Despite these uncertainties, it appears Museveni has effectively persuaded or compelled his son to formalize his movement into a civic organization, putting Muhoozi’s political ambitions on hold for the foreseeable future. As previously reported, Muhoozi is among the First Family members reportedly eyeing the opportunity to succeed Museveni when he eventually retires.
