Uganda’s Next Leader Must Come from Security Forces, Says Muhoozi

Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has declared that no civilian will lead Uganda after his father, long-time President Yoweri Museveni. In a statement on Saturday, Muhoozi emphasized that the country’s security forces will ensure the next leader emerges from the military or police, ruling out a civilian presidency.

“No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Muhoozi announced on X (formerly Twitter).

This statement follows his earlier public expressions of interest in succeeding his father as Uganda’s president. In January 2023, Muhoozi confidently stated his intention to one day lead the country, claiming, “Fortune favours the sons of God! I will be President of Uganda one day.”

Muhoozi has consistently voiced his ambition to take over the presidency, even stating that becoming president would be the best way to honour his mother. His declarations, often shared on social media, have repeatedly challenged Uganda’s opposition, particularly Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine. Muhoozi has previously dismissed the idea of the opposition ever taking power, asserting his popularity over them.

Despite his bold proclamations, President Museveni has distanced himself from publicly endorsing his son as his successor. In a 2022 interview with Kenya’s KTN News, Museveni noted that the ruling National Resistance Movement would determine his successor, and he would support whoever the party chooses.

Ugandans will head to the polls in 2026, as President Museveni, in power since 1986, nears the end of his current term.