Tension Brews in Uganda as Leaders Oppose Muhoozi’s Bid to Succeed His Father as President

Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing reported internal disagreements over President Yoweri Museveni's succession, following growing resistance to plans to position his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his possible successor.

The disagreement reportedly emerged during a closed-door meeting of the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) at State House in Entebbe on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

According to five participants who spoke to Agence France-Presse (AFP), some senior party officials opposed Muhoozi's proposed succession, forcing members to abandon a vote on the matter.

Of the 28 committee members, only seven had voted before the process was stopped. Four reportedly supported Muhoozi's candidature, while three opposed it. The reported outcome has not been officially confirmed by the NRM.

The reports also raised concerns over Muhoozi's public conduct, particularly his controversial statements on social media and confrontations with political opponents.

Some CEC members reportedly questioned whether his approach could affect his chances of gaining wider support among Ugandans.

One participant reportedly suggested that Museveni should consider giving his son a civilian role to help him gain political experience outside the military.

However, Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda has strongly dismissed claims that the ruling party rejected Muhoozi's presidential ambitions.

Kabanda, who serves as Executive Secretary in the office of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) chairman, described the reports as false information in a statement on Thursday, November 12.

He did not provide an alternative account of what happened during the November 10 meeting or explain which details were inaccurate.

Muhoozi, who currently serves as Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, declared his intention to contest the 2031 presidential election in September.

His ambition has attracted support from PLU members, who have been mobilising behind his proposed candidature.

The latest developments have therefore placed Uganda's succession debate under fresh public attention as Museveni's future leadership plans remain a major political issue.