Muhoozi, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, made the announcement while speaking about his political ambitions. He said he plans to seek Uganda’s highest political office after the current political cycle.
“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031,” Muhoozi said, adding that he believes they will win.
The declaration is significant because it gives a specific year to ambitions that Muhoozi has discussed publicly on several occasions. His latest statement places the question of succession within Uganda’s ruling establishment firmly back in the national political conversation.
One of the most notable parts of his remarks was his statement about the role he expects his father to play in the campaign. Muhoozi said Museveni would serve as his campaign manager if he contests the 2031 presidential election.
“Mzee [Museveni] will be my campaign manager,” he said.
The statement points to the possibility of Museveni remaining an influential political figure even after his current presidential term. It also indicates the level of political support Muhoozi expects to receive from his father should he eventually enter the race.
Museveni has been Uganda’s dominant political figure for decades, having remained at the centre of the country’s political affairs since taking power in 1986. His continued influence means that any discussion about his eventual successor attracts significant public attention.
Muhoozi’s announcement could therefore lead to increased debate over the future direction of the National Resistance Movement and the wider question of leadership after Museveni.
The general has gradually become more prominent in Uganda’s political arena. Apart from his military position, he has been associated with political activities and has attracted a strong following among supporters who believe he could play a major role in the country’s future leadership.
However, declaring an intention to contest in 2031 does not automatically guarantee that Muhoozi will eventually appear on the ballot. Presidential elections involve legal requirements, political party processes and decisions that will only become clearer as the election approaches.
His latest remarks nevertheless provide one of the clearest indications yet of his long-term political plans.
Muhoozi has also previously spoken about other possible succession arrangements involving members of the wider political establishment, including his uncle, Gen. Salim Saleh. Those earlier comments have contributed to continuing speculation over who could eventually succeed Museveni.
For now, Muhoozi has placed 2031 firmly on the political calendar. His declaration is likely to keep Uganda’s succession debate active, while his statement that Museveni could personally manage his campaign adds another important dimension to the discussion.
The coming years will show whether Muhoozi turns his declaration into a formal presidential campaign and how Uganda’s political landscape responds to his ambition.
