A fresh political storm has erupted over Uganda’s 2031 presidential race after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba demanded an apology from Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, accusing her of spreading falsehoods.
Muhoozi’s strong reaction came after conflicting messages emerged from members of the ruling establishment about who could contest for President in 2031. The disagreement has left many Ugandans questioning whether President Yoweri Museveni plans to seek another term or whether the way is being prepared for Muhoozi to take over.
The controversy followed a public announcement by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) that Muhoozi would run for President in 2031. PLU leaders said Muhoozi had given them the green light to announce his presidential ambition and claimed that Museveni had supported and sanctioned his son’s bid.
The announcement was seen as a major step in Muhoozi’s political journey, particularly because he had previously stepped back from the 2026 presidential race and supported his father. PLU leaders have since indicated that they intend to mobilise support for Muhoozi ahead of the 2031 elections.
However, Babalanda later made remarks suggesting that Museveni would still be in the political race in 2031. Her position appeared to contradict the message coming from PLU that Muhoozi was preparing to contest for the presidency with Museveni’s support.
The conflicting statements quickly sparked confusion among the public and political observers. If Museveni intends to contest again in 2031, questions have been raised about how that position fits with PLU’s announcement that Muhoozi will seek the presidency in the same election.
It was against this background that Muhoozi responded with a sharp message directed at Babalanda.
“I want an apology from Minister Babalanda for spreading falsehoods. Otherwise, she will lose her job!” Muhoozi said in a post shared publicly.
The statement was brief but carried a strong warning, putting Babalanda under pressure to explain or defend her position. Muhoozi did not provide further details in the post about the specific statements he considered false.
The latest disagreement has pushed the question of Uganda’s 2031 succession to the centre of public debate. While PLU is openly promoting Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions, Babalanda’s remarks have raised the possibility of Museveni seeking another term.
The situation has also attracted attention because of the senior positions held by the two figures. Muhoozi is the Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of PLU, while Babalanda is a senior government minister and a prominent figure within the National Resistance Movement.
For now, the political spotlight is on Babalanda and whether she will respond to Muhoozi’s demand. Her response could provide more clarity on the conflicting messages about Museveni’s political future and Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential ambitions.
Until there is a clear position from Museveni himself, the competing statements are likely to continue fueling debate over who the NRM establishment expects to lead the country after the current political term.
