Muhoozi Kainerugaba Opts Out of 2026 Presidential Race

In a surprising turn of events, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced that he will not be contesting for the presidency in Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

“I would like to officially state that I will not be a candidate in the 2026 elections,” General Muhoozi shared in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). He explained further, “The Almighty has directed me to focus on serving His army first. Therefore, I give my full support to President Yoweri Museveni for the upcoming elections.”

This announcement signals a key shift in Uganda’s political scene, where General Muhoozi has emerged as both a military and political force, raising speculation about his future role in the country’s leadership.

Previously, Muhoozi’s active social media presence and comments have fueled conversations about his potential bid for the presidency, creating significant buzz regarding the post-Museveni era. His decision to step back from the 2026 race has shocked many of his supporters, who had already started mobilizing for his campaign, both on the ground and across social platforms.