Museveni Breaks Silence on Muhoozi 2026 Presidential Bid

President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has spoken out on reports that he used Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s recently concluded birthday celebrations to unveil his son as his preferred successor, and to prepare him for a possible run in 2026. 

Although supporters of Lt Gen Kainerugaba have used the countrywide birthday parties to market him as their ‘generational leader’ and one who should take over from Museveni, now aged 77, the president seems not be reading from the same book.

Museveni is yet to announce if he will or will not run for president in 2026, but some people aligned to the Muhoozi camp say the first son should stand for the country’s top office in the next presidential election.

The first son himself is yet to formally announce that he is running for president. But he has thrown hints. He has talked of winning power and making Uganda better. He has also talked of launching a political program.

Muhoozi has equally said that he was never interested in power but his enemies such as former spymaster Gen David Sejusa (formerly Tinyefuuza) had made him popular through their talk about ‘Muhoozi Project.’

Now speaking about the issue of Muhoozi’s 2026 presidential bid, the significance of birthday parties appearing like political campaign rallies, Museveni has told Ugandans and all political observers to stop reading too much into the birthday celebrations.

“It was only a birthday. There was good will and people came up, which was good. But it was only a birthday,” Museveni told TRT World in an interview in Kampala.

The president added that Ugandans had a right to choose their leaders and that the country belonged to all citizens, not just the Museveni family.

“Uganda belongs to Ugandans, it does not belong to me or my family. It is for the Ugandans to decide,” he said, reiterating his usual position on the allegations that he is grooming his son.

RETIREMENT: Museveni’s Response on When He Plans to Leave Power Keeps Ugandans Guessing

MORE STORIES FROM MUHOOZI BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS & POLITICS

On April 23, Kainerugaba held a birthday party at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala.

At the party, Lt Gen Kainerugaba, also the Commander of UPDF Land Forces, unveiled his plan for Ugandan youth. (Read Story Here).

Earlier, Muhoozi had addressed those who participated in a marathon to honor him. The first son said the country was on fire because of him. (Read Story Here).

On April 24, President Museveni held a State House dinner to honour his son Muhoozi. (See Photos from Muhoozi Dinner HERE).

Museveni revealed a special name for his son. (Read Story Here).

The president also described Muhoozi as a special gift. (Read Story Here).

Muhoozi talked of ‘good things’ in the future. (Read Story Here).

Also attending the birthday dinner was Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Kagame said he was ready to edit Muhoozi’s tweets. (Read Story Here).

He also talked of the expectations he and others have in Muhoozi. (Read Story Here).

NARROW ESCAPE: When Kagame Saved Muhoozi & His Father Museveni from Being Killed by Obote Soldiers in Kireka

Former army commander Gen Mugisha Muntu has told Museveni to allow Muhoozi retire from the UPDF to pursue his presidential ambitions. (Read Story Here).

Ex-spymaster Gen David Sejusa has advised Muhoozi on how to deal with enemies within ‘Muhoozi Project.’ (Read Story Here).

Pro-Muhoozi veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda spoke about the promoters of ‘Muhoozi Project.’ (Read Story Here).