NRM youth call for CDF Muhoozi appointment as vice-president

With President Yoweri Museveni expected to unveil a new Cabinet anytime following the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament, a section of youth aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has called for Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to formally transition into civilian leadership and be appointed Vice-President.

The youth activists, operating under the banner of the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), argue that Muhoozi’s elevation would not only strengthen the Government’s anti-corruption drive but also provide political stability and guarantee an orderly transition within the ruling movement.

The calls were made during a briefing at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala city on May 18, 2026, against the backdrop of growing public debate over succession politics and the future of the NRM after Museveni.

Addressing journalists, NRN member Ivan Mwijukye said many young cadres within the ruling establishment believe the country can no longer avoid open discussions about political transition and succession planning.

“Uganda has never lacked leaders, but Uganda has lacked a timely way of making decisions,” Mwijukye said.

The proposal to appoint Muhoozi as VP comes at a time when Muhoozi’s political influence appears to be rapidly expanding within both government and the NRM structures.

Over the last two years, the influence of the army chief, also chairperson of pressure group Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has increased through his military leadership, public anti-corruption campaigns and the growing PLU activities.

The supporters of the army chief point to his recent anti-corruption operations within the security establishment as evidence of decisive leadership and willingness to confront entrenched networks of graft that many politicians have avoided confronting openly.

Since becoming CDF, Muhoozi has overseen a series of investigations and arrests involving senior officers accused of corruption, procurement fraud, extortion and abuse of office within the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

Security sources indicate that several senior officers attached to military intelligence, logistics and procurement departments have either been arrested, suspended or subjected to internal investigations over alleged irregularities involving fuel supply contracts, classified expenditures and military procurement deals.

Last year, Muhoozi ordered investigations into alleged corruption in the procurement of aircraft spare parts and fuel supplies within the Air Force, leading to arrests of several officers and civilian contractors linked to the deals.

The pro-Muhoozi actors argue that the operations demonstrate a willingness to confront corruption even within traditionally untouchable institutions such as the military.

The military chief has also recently emerged as a vocal supporter of wider anti-corruption operations targeting politically exposed individuals