Amanze Chinonye
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has formally declared his intention to run for president in 2031, his political movement said.
David Kabanda, head of the chairman’s office of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), announced the decision at a meeting in Kampala on Tuesday attended by lawmakers, PLU coordinators and supporters.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelKabanda said Kainerugaba had instructed him to make the declaration and that the planned candidacy had been sanctioned by President Yoweri Museveni, although there was no immediate public confirmation from the president.
“Gen Muhoozi has instructed me to inform you that he is going to run for President of Uganda in 2031 and beyond,” Kabanda told the gathering.
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The PLU said it would begin organising endorsement rallies across Uganda’s 146 districts to collect signatures and build support for Kainerugaba’s candidacy.
Michael Mawanda, the movement’s director for mobilisation, said the PLU was targeting 19 million signatures before announcing the next phase of its political programme.
Kainerugaba, who also chairs the PLU, had previously expressed interest in contesting the presidency in 2026 but later withdrew and backed Museveni’s re-election campaign.
Mawanda said Kainerugaba would eventually unveil his manifesto, leave military service and begin campaigning ahead of the 2031 election.
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Kainerugaba remains Uganda’s serving military chief and would have to leave the armed forces before formally entering electoral politics.
The PLU’s decision to begin nationwide mobilisation five years before the election marks a significant step in Kainerugaba’s political campaign and could reshape Uganda’s political landscape ahead of 2031.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
