By The Metro 
Ugandan military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, says he will run for the country’s top political office in 2031, signalling his intention to succeed his father.
Kainerugaba, 52, made the declaration in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, years before the next presidential election. He has long been viewed as a possible successor to his 81-year-old father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said.
He also expressed confidence that he would secure overwhelming support with his father’s backing.
“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, referring to Museveni with an honorific title.
Kainerugaba, who heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously indicated that he would contest the January presidential election but eventually withdrew from the race.
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He played a prominent role in supporting his father during the election, including ordering measures against opposition supporters and overseeing an internet shutdown during the polls.
The military chief has also attracted international attention for his outspoken and sometimes inflammatory social media posts, including threats against leading opposition figure Bobi Wine.
Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement, has been in power since 1986. His administration has faced accusations of human rights abuses, including torture, abductions and arbitrary detention, allegations the government has denied.
Bobi Wine, Uganda’s main opposition leader, left for the United States earlier this year, citing fears for his safety, while veteran opposition politician Kizza Besigye has been detained since 2024 and is facing treason charges.
Asked whether Museveni would seek another presidential term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters, “as has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes.”