The youth wing of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has urged President Museveni to retire the movement’s leader, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba from the army to enable him start preparations to stand as President in the 2026 elections.
“We appeal to the President to consider retiring Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba from the UPDF and allow him to freely interact with Ugandans for political consultations,” said Pascal Natamba, the PLU Youth leader.
He added: “From our side therefore as young patriots, our preferred Candidate for 2026 is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.”
Natamba, who was accompanied by his group’s members, read the statement on Monday at PLU’s headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.
This underscores the fact that the press conference was not only allowed but also endorsed by PLU’s top leadership. President Museveni in March 2024 appointed Gen Muhoozi as the CDF, replacing Gen Wilson Mbadi. He had declared his presidential bid before being appointed to lead Uganda’s armed forces.
In his current position and as an army officer, Muhoozi is not allowed to participate in partisan politics.
Pascal said a substantial number of Ugandans both old and young, pro and against NRM and civil society, have been advocating for a peaceful transition/transfer of power to the next leader and stability.
“As Patriots, we too support this position and appeal to President Museveni to seriously consider handing over power to another elected Person in 2026,” he observed.
Natamba, who commended Museveni for building a national and pro-people Army that has helped to build a strong foundation for Uganda’s growing economy, has been a target of many forces over the years and they have unfairly maligned him.
“We have carefully observed his tolerance, humility and his dedication to fighting for Uganda. He could have chosen to do business because he was not short of startup capital. He could have chosen to ride on the political influence of the Father to easily be elected and rise in political ranks quickly. He could have also chosen to be a strong power centre that runs and influences the entire government machinery. He did not choose any of the above,” said Natamba.
“He chose to go and roll himself in the mud, endure months, and years of training in pursuit of the soldiering profession. His record of engagement in combat operations/warfare in the jungles of Galamba, Semuliki, Northern Uganda and the low-lands of Teso to fully pacify the country is known to all and Sundry. His role in inspiring many young graduates to join the UPDF and turn it into an elite force is equally known,” he emphasised.
“We do not, therefore, support him for President because of just being merely the son of the President, we support him as a man of record and performance. He is the right candidate to rid Uganda of all impunity and corruption. He will also be a uniting factor for all the political actors and their outfits and dismantle the intrigue currently prevailing in government and political parties, which is all driven by greed.”
President Museveni is yet to indicate his interest in another term in office. But he has not ruled out such a move.