Uganda’s succession battle has intensified after five senior National Resistance Army (NRA) historical figures reportedly opposed plans to position Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as President Yoweri Museveni’s successor.
The resistance reportedly emerged during closed-door meetings of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC), where senior party officials raised concerns about the implications of a possible Muhoozi presidency and urged Museveni to allow established party structures to determine his successor.
According to information emerging from the November 10, 2026 meeting at State House Entebbe, some senior officials argued that the leadership transition should be determined through an organic process involving the party’s structures rather than a succession arrangement perceived to have been decided by the President.
The five NRA historicals are reportedly among those uncomfortable with the prospect of handing power to Muhoozi, who currently serves as Uganda’s military chief.
Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is also reportedly opposed to a Muhoozi presidency, adding another significant name to the growing list of senior NRM figures said to have reservations about the proposed succession.
Another major concern reportedly presented during the discussions was Uganda’s relationship with Western countries. Some participants warned that Western governments could reconsider or withdraw aspects of their cooperation with Uganda if Muhoozi were openly declared Museveni’s preferred successor.
The concerns reportedly reflect fears that a succession dominated by military influence and family connections could damage Uganda’s international relationships, particularly with Western partners that have historically maintained diplomatic, security and development cooperation with Kampala.
The November 10 meeting reportedly became particularly uncomfortable when members began considering Muhoozi’s suitability for the presidency. A voting process was initiated but abandoned after only seven members had voted, with four supporting him and three opposing the proposal.
The reported opposition comes weeks after Museveni presented a succession discussion paper to the CEC on October 27, highlighting his son’s military experience, patriotism and contribution to Uganda’s security establishment.
Museveni reportedly defended Muhoozi’s leadership qualities while acknowledging that some NRM members had already begun endorsing him for the 2031 presidential election.
However, the latest developments suggest that support for Muhoozi within the ruling party is far from unanimous.Some officials reportedly questioned his combative political communication, particularly his controversial social media statements, while others argued that he should first leave active military service and establish himself in civilian politics.
NRM Vice-Chairman for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu reportedly urged Museveni to seek another term in 2031, arguing that Muhoozi was not yet ready to take over the country’s leadership.With further CEC discussions expected, the succession question is increasingly exposing competing interests within the ruling party.
For Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986, managing the transition could become one of the most consequential political challenges of his presidency.The emerging resistance raises a difficult question for the NRM: will the party choose its next leader through established internal structures, or will Museveni’s preferred succession arrangement prevail?
