Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the First Son, has criticized the elder generation of leaders—including his father, Yoweri Museveni, and his uncle, Gen. Salim Saleh—for allegedly dominating the younger generation as he announced his candidacy for president.
The 48-year-old active duty military commander and presidential advisor for special operations said he’s had enough of waiting because his window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
“The Prime Minister of UK is 42 years old, the Prime Minister of Finland is 37 years. Some of us are hitting 50 years old. We are tired of waiting forever. We will take a stand! Fidel Castro, my HERO, became President at 32 years. I’m about to hit 49 years old. It’s really not right. The Presidency of the nation is meant for young men. How many agree with me that our time has come? Enough of the old people ruling us. Dominating us. It’s time for our generation to shine. Retweet and like,” The former UPDF commander of the land forces announced in a series of tweets that he would run for president in 2026, assuring his followers.
“You have wanted me to say it forever! Okay, in the name of Jesus Christ my God, in the name of all the young people of Uganda and the world and in the name of our great revolution, I will stand for the Presidency in 2026!” he said.
Gen. Muhoozi further asserted that there is no opposition in Uganda. Gen. Muhoozi has recently been openly attacking members of his father’s party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has been in power since Mr. Museveni used guerrilla warfare to shoot his way to State House in 1986.
Kainerugaba, who has previously refuted suggestions that he wants to succeed his 78-year-old father, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has advanced quickly through the ranks of the Ugandan army.