Uganda’s ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reportedly pushed back against a plan to position General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as President Yoweri Museveni’s successor.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), five people who attended a closed-door meeting of the NRM executive committee said several members opposed Kainerugaba’s proposed candidacy during Tuesday, November 10 discussions.
The meeting, convened to consider Museveni’s succession, saw a vote on the army chief’s candidacy abandoned after several of the 28 committee members spoke against the proposal and drew loud cheers from others.
By the time the vote was stopped, seven members had reportedly voted: four supported Kainerugaba’s candidacy and three opposed it.
Uganda’s NRM Members Oppose Muhoozi’s Bid to Succeed Father Museveni
The objections reportedly centred on concerns about the army chief’s conduct, particularly his confrontational statements and threats against political opponents on social media.
One of the participants told AFP that Kainerugaba’s approach had created unease among some senior party members.
The participant added that Kainerugaba should seek public support through persuasion rather than what the source described as coercive methods.
“The combative nature of the (army chief) has created uneasiness among some people. He is fighting and threatening people on social media. Let him start convincing people but not using coercive means to capitulate the population,” said the source.
NRM Vice-Chairman Calvin Echodu reportedly advised Museveni to remove his son from the military and assign him a civilian role to prepare him for possible political leadership.
According to one of the people who attended the meeting, Echodu argued that a civilian appointment would give Kainerugaba an opportunity to interact more closely with ordinary Ugandans and gain experience outside the military.
Echodu also reportedly advised Museveni to consider contesting the 2031 presidential election, arguing that his son was not yet ready to take over the country’s leadership.
The reported objections came despite growing efforts by Kainerugaba’s supporters to position him as the country’s next president.
Also Read: Museveni’s Son to Step Down as Army Chief, Reveals Next Move
Museveni Had Earlier Raised Muhoozi’s Succession
The latest disagreement follows an earlier meeting of the NRM Central Executive Committee at State House in Entebbe on October 27, where Museveni reportedly presented a paper outlining the qualities he considered important for Uganda’s next leader.
In the presentation, the president reportedly highlighted his son’s military experience and leadership credentials, inviting party members to assess Kainerugaba’s suitability for the presidency.
The discussions also touched on growing calls by supporters of the army chief for him to succeed his father during the 2031–2036 presidential term.
However, accounts of the October meeting differed, with some party officials disputing claims that Museveni had formally endorsed his son.
Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), claimed Museveni endorsed Kainerugaba during the meeting.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi, however, maintained that the succession question had not been formally discussed.
The reported resistance within the NRM now raises questions about how the party will handle the succession debate as Museveni’s long tenure continues.
Although Kainerugaba has backing from supporters within the PLU, the latest meeting suggests that his possible candidacy does not have unanimous support among senior members of the ruling party.
The NRM has not publicly confirmed a formal decision rejecting Kainerugaba’s candidacy.
Also Read: Muhoozi Confirms He Will Succeed Museveni as Uganda’s Next President
Muhoozi’s Presidential Ambitions and Attacks on Uganda Vice President Jessica Alupo
Kainerugaba, 52, currently serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and has publicly said he intends to contest the 2031 presidential election.
His political ambitions have attracted attention partly because of his position in the military and his close family relationship with Museveni, who has governed Uganda since taking power in 1986.
The army chief has also faced criticism for several controversial social media statements, including threats directed at opposition politicians.
In recent days, Muhoozi deactivated his X account hours after issuing a series of warnings to Vice President Jessica Alupo, including threats to have her arrested and dismissed from government.
Muhoozi’s account, @mkainerugaba, became inaccessible on Tuesday, November 10, shortly after he published several controversial posts targeting Alupo and suggesting that he should take over the country’s vice presidency.
In one post, the army chief said he had run out of patience over the matter, calling on whoever held the office to prepare to leave.
“About being Vice President. I think we have been diplomatic enough. Whoever is in that office should prepare to hand it over soon,” he stated.
Muhoozi later suggested he would introduce a military-style administration if he assumed the position, promising to address what he described as inefficiency in government.
“As Vice President, the government will operate on military terms. There will be no more inefficiency,” he declared.
The latest development also comes days after Muhoozi announced plans to leave his position as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), saying he would hand over the office to another qualified military officer in the coming months.
“My time as CDF is coming to an end. I have accomplished all the tasks my God gave me. In a few months, I will hand over this office to a qualified officer. I shall dedicate my life to Christ after that,” he stated on November 6.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews
