Summary:
- In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that the PLU is a civic organization and not a political party.
KAMPALA: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has advised members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) who intend to contest in the 2026 general elections to join the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that the PLU is a civic organization and not a political party. He stated that the NRM is the political entity most closely aligned with the values of the PLU.
“PLU members who want to run for Parliament, nothing is stopping you. PLU is a civic organization, not a political party. You are absolutely free to contest. However, I advise you to subscribe to NRM. That’s the political party that best aligns with our values,” he said.
Gen. Kainerugaba further pledged unwavering support for President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming elections.
“All my millions of supporters and all PLU members, we shall, as one, support President Museveni in 2026. The future belongs to our mighty God, and we shall triumph in His name,” he added.
This announcement comes shortly after Gen. Kainerugaba confirmed that he would not be running for president in the 2026 elections.
“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026,” he wrote on his X account, adding, “Almighty God told me to focus on His Army first.”
Addressing corruption, he assured that President Museveni would deal with corrupt officials: “As for the corrupt and thieves, Mzee will remove them. We will not accept ‘State Capture’ in Uganda. There will be no Guptas here. Mzee knows the revolution requires purging the bad seed.”
Gen. Kainerugaba also likened Museveni to Jesus Christ, calling Afande Saleh “Saint Peter” who holds the “keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.”
He dismissed foreign criticisms, stating: “Some ‘low-life’ foreign journalists will write that ‘Museveni’s son is a threat to Ugandan democracy,’ urged on by enemies who want to enslave our country. But when we were fighting for Uganda’s freedom in places like Teso, Lango, Bundibugyo, and Mogadishu, those so-called lovers of Uganda were nowhere to be seen. Resisting imperialists is a patriotic duty!”
On Friday, Gen. Kainerugaba expressed his support for his 80-year-old father, President Museveni, who is expected to seek reelection in 2026. Museveni was reelected in 2021 for a sixth term, having been in power since 1986.
“I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections,” said Muhoozi.
The general’s decision to step back from the presidential race has surprised many of his supporters, some of whom had already begun mobilizing for his 2026 campaign. In 2023, Muhoozi had previously announced his presidential ambitions, declaring, “In the name of Jesus Christ, in the name of all the young people of Uganda and the world, I will stand for the presidency in 2026.”
At the time, he rallied young people, stating: “How many agree that our time has come? Enough of the old people ruling us. It’s time for our generation to shine.”
The 2026 elections are expected to feature prominent candidates such as singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, among others.
Despite stepping away from a presidential bid, Gen. Kainerugaba hinted that his commitment to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) remains steadfast.
“For me, NOTHING on this earth is holier than the UPDF! I cannot think of a greater honor than being in the UPDF. It is Holy Ground! God bless the Holy UPDF and Sacred Uganda forever!” he declared.
