Muhoozi’s presidential bid launched

PRESIDENCY 

KAMPALA - The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has today, Tuesday (September 1, 2026) launched Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Presidential bid for 2031 and beyond.

Addressing the media, Members of Parliament (MPs), local leaders, and other leaders at the PLU offices based in Nakasero, David Kabanda, the executive secretary in the office of the PLU National chairperson, revealed that Gen Muhoozi instructed him to inform the press and some selected leaders that he will be running for the Presidency of Uganda in 2031 and beyond.

Kabanda noted that there is no conflict between the two (Gen. Muhoozi and President Museveni), adding that "the journey has started now." (All Photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)

Kabanda, who is also the Kasambya County MP, added that Muhoozi’s bid for Presidency was sanctioned by President Yoweri Museveni himself.

“When I informed the current Speaker, Jacob Oboth Oboth, that he will be the next Speaker of Parliament, some people objected and said that the President had not sanctioned it, but here I am telling you that this one has been sanctioned by the President.

Between the two, the journey has started now. We want to hear the enthusiasm on the ground. I want to see you receiving the news of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the President of Uganda 2031 and beyond,” Kabanda said.

The bid launched was under the theme “Muhoozi Gwe Akimala”

Currently, Gen. Muhoozi is the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and a senior presidential advisor in charge of special operations.

According to the UPDF Act, Gen. Muhoozi will have to retire from the army if he is to join elective politics. Section 99 of the UPDF Act stipulates: "A serving officer or militant who desires to seek political office shall first resign or retire from the defence forces according to regulations made by the minister (of defence)."

Kabanda said many of the PLU supporters and members had requested for PLU numbers, adding that some started the journey by joining the civic organisation.

Kabanda noted that there is no conflict between the two (Gen. Muhoozi and President Museveni), adding that "the journey has started now."

The bid launched was under the theme “Muhoozi Gwe Akimala”

Kabanda revealed that effective today (September 1, 2026), the endorsement process of Gen. Muhoozi for Presidency has commenced, adding that as PLU they are looking forward to collecting 19 million signatures across the country so that when the election period reaches, no one will wonder where Muhoozi would have acquired all the votes from.

Kabanda said many of the PLU supporters and members had requested for PLU numbers, adding that some started the journey by joining the civic organisation.

However, Kabanda said, "Whether you joined at the start or later, you are all equal because all of us will have to provide the same services. Today we are launching our Patriotic League book to keep the records."