Museveni Seventh Term: In a dramatic political shift, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s long-serving president Yoweri Museveni, has decided to withdraw from the 2026 presidential race and endorse his father for a seventh term. This move solidifies President Museveni’s bid to extend his 38-year reign, further cementing his influence in Ugandan politics.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba Endorses Museveni’s Seventh Term
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seen as a potential successor to his father, surprised the nation when he announced that he would not run in the 2026 election and would instead fully support Museveni seventh-term candidacy. “I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on His Army first. So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections,” Kainerugaba declared on X (formerly Twitter).
This announcement effectively confirms that Museveni, now 80 years old, is positioning himself to run for a seventh term in office, even though he has yet to make an official declaration.
Museveni’s Long Rule and the Push for a Seventh Term
Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986, following his successful overthrow of President Milton Obote. Over the years, Museveni has won six consecutive elections, each marked by allegations of voter intimidation and suppression. With his son now backing him for a seventh term, it appears that Museveni’s grip on power will continue into the next decade.
Kainerugaba, a key military figure trained at Sandhurst, Britain’s elite military academy, plays a crucial role in supporting his father’s leadership. His endorsement of Museveni seventh term reinforces the idea that the military is central to Uganda’s future governance. “No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni.
The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Kainerugaba added in a previous statement, hinting at the deep ties between Uganda’s military and political leadership.
The Implications of Museveni’s Seventh Term for Uganda
President Museveni’s decision to run for a seventh term will have significant implications for Uganda’s political landscape. His nearly four-decade reign has been characterised by tight control over political opposition and civil liberties.
While his supporters credit him for stabilising the country and boosting economic growth, critics argue that his prolonged rule has stifled democracy and hindered political reforms.
Museveni seventh term bid also raises questions about succession planning in Uganda. Many expected Muhoozi Kainerugaba to eventually take over the presidency, given his prominent role in the military and close association with his father. However, Kainerugaba’s decision to step aside in support of Museveni’s seventh term suggests that the family is not ready to relinquish control of the presidency.
The Military’s Influence on Museveni’s Seventh-Term Bid
Museveni’s seventh term is not just a matter of personal ambition; it’s deeply tied to the military’s role in Uganda’s governance. Over the years, Museveni has relied heavily on the military to secure his presidency, and Kainerugaba’s rise within the ranks underscores this relationship.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba is the head of Uganda’s defence forces and one of the most powerful figures in the country’s military establishment. His decision to endorse Museveni’s seventh term demonstrates the military’s continued dominance in shaping Uganda’s political future. This military backing will be crucial in the upcoming election, ensuring that Museveni remains in control.
Opposition Reaction to Museveni’s Seventh Term
The announcement of Museveni’s likely run for a *seventh term* has reignited debate among Uganda’s opposition parties. Bobi Wine, one of the most prominent opposition figures, has been vocal about the need for political change. Wine, who ran against Museveni in the 2021 election, accused the government of rigging the results and using force to suppress dissent. The 2021 election was marked by violence, with more than 50 deaths reported during protests, and many fear that the 2026 election will see similar unrest.
With Museveni poised to run for a seventh term, the opposition faces significant challenges in gaining political ground. Museveni’s control over the military and security forces makes it difficult for opposition leaders to mobilise freely, and any calls for democratic reforms are likely to be met with resistance.
What a Seventh Term Means for Uganda’s Future
If successful, Museveni seventh term would make him one of the longest-serving leaders in African history. His continued rule has profound implications for Uganda’s future, especially in terms of democratic development. Critics argue that his extended presidency undermines the potential for peaceful political transitions and entrenches a culture of authoritarianism.
While Museveni claims that his leadership has brought stability and progress to Uganda, many believe that his pursuit of a seventh term reflects a deeper unwillingness to share power. This has led to concerns that Uganda may never experience a democratic handover of power, as long as Museveni and his close military allies remain in control.
Conclusion
Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s endorsement of his father for a seventh term solidifies Yoweri Museveni’s position as Uganda’s long-standing leader. With this support, Museveni is poised to run in the 2026 elections, extending his 38-year rule further. The prospect of a seventh term raises essential questions about the future of democracy in Uganda, the military’s role in politics, and the potential for political reform.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 election, Museveni’s seventh term will be a defining moment in the nation’s history. Whether it leads to continued stability or greater political unrest remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Museveni’s influence on Uganda’s political landscape is far from over.
Follow News As it Happens here
