Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced plans to run for president in the country’s 2031 elections, adding a new development to discussions about the country’s political succession.

Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, made the announcement on his social media handle on Wednesday. He said he intended to seek Uganda’s highest elected office in 2031 and referred to his father’s support for his political ambitions.

The announcement came months after Museveni won another five-year term in Uganda’s January presidential election, according to the country’s Electoral Commission.

Museveni, 81, has served as Uganda’s president since January 1986, when his National Resistance Army took control of Kampala after a five-year insurgency. He has since won successive presidential elections and has remained a central figure in Ugandan politics for four decades.

In January, Museveni was declared the winner of the presidential election, securing his seventh term in office. His latest term is due to run until 2031.

The question of political succession has increasingly featured in public debate in Uganda, particularly as Kainerugaba has taken on senior military and political roles.

Kainerugaba, 52, has held several senior positions in Uganda’s armed forces and was appointed Chief of Defence Forces in 2024. His appointment placed him at the head of the country’s military.

He has also become increasingly active in political affairs and leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political movement that has supported his public activities.

Kainerugaba previously expressed interest in seeking the presidency but did not contest the 2026 election. His announcement of a 2031 bid provides an early indication of his political plans ahead of the next presidential election.