NAIROBI, Reuters – President Yoweri Museveni’s soldier son is signaling his willingness to assume his father’s position. He makes comments about global affairs from Ukraine and Ethiopia as well as birthday celebrations that are reminiscent of rallies.

But, if he runs in place of Museveni for the 2026 presidential elections, Muhoozi Kalerugaba will face fierce opposition from those determined to stop a family dynasty within the East African country.

This 48-year-old was trained at Fort Leavenworth and Sandhurst Military Academy in Britain.

Even though Ugandan law bans party-political officers serving in Uganda, he made promises of a policy platform and portrayed himself as someone who will champion youth.

Team MK will be the winner of power in this country if we win! The first thing we will do is increase the sport budget! He posted the following tweet earlier this month in response to nationwide demonstrations celebrating his birthday.

Although reticent and taciturn, Kainerugaba can be a bright and bubbly person on social media. She trades barbs with the opposition and weighs in on politics.

Four days after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, Putin wrote that Putin is “absolutely right,” in spite of Uganda’s tradition alliance with the West.

“The overwhelming majority of non-white people support Russia’s stand on Ukraine.”

He also supported rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray, and threatened to interfere in a coup attempt in Guinea.

On April 24, his 48th birthday, ruling party supporters organized rallies and charity events. Many wore T-shirts featuring Kainerugaba’s images for several weeks.

To honor his memory, he took part in the Kampala marathon and attended a Entebbe party at a cricket ground. He was celebrated by his father, who hosted a dinner party with high-ranking officials and Rwanda President Paul Kagame.

“It is amazing that those who used abuse to me daily are being made to listen to the people. Kainerugaba posted earlier in the month.

‘HUGE HEADSTART’

Kainerugaba will have a strong platform if Museveni, 77 years old, decides to step down.

He grew up in State House. He should have a tremendous advantage over everyone else because of that. “In that sense, he’s unparalleled,” says Moses Khisa from North Carolina State University. He is a Ugandan politician.

Analysts also believe Kainerugaba is lacking his father’s political williness. Museveni was a leader of a rebellion movement that brought him to power in 1986. He has negotiated six presidential elections marked by brutal crackdowns against the opposition.

He doesn’t need people’s support. Gawaya Tgulle, another Ugandan politician and lawyer, stated that it is impossible for him to win an honest election.

Although Museveni was initially viewed by the West in the role of an ally in war against Islamist rebels it has since been accused of sexual violence, torture and other killings by security personnel. American President Donald Trump has sanctioned Major General Abel Kandiho (current police chief) for “horrific” abuse.

Museveni says that he’s the guardian for law and order. However, he has not commented on his sons political activities or said whether he will seek another term.

Many Ugandans see Kainerugaba’s behavior as evidence that his father gave him the green light.

He is being fought by the opposition parties.

“His dad has been at power for 36 years. What have they (the youth) gained?” David Lewis Rubongoya secretary general of opposition National Unity Platform, scoffed at the fact that poverty is rampant and there’s a lot of unemployment.

Bobi Wine (pop star) lost the 2021 presidential election despite massive support from youth. He accused Museveni’s security force of an egregious crackdown.

Rubongoya said, “You cannot say that you are championing the vision for the youth when they’re being abducted and killed.”