Ugandans React to Gen Kainerugaba's Withdrawal from 2026 Polls
Supporters of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have shared mixed reactions since he broke the news that he won't be running for president in 2026.
The CDF, who is also the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), had previously declared his presidential ambitions, and many hoped he would run in the upcoming elections.
However, on Saturday morning, he announced that he won't be joining the race, stating that he is backing President Yoweri Museveni and focusing on the military.
Leaders of PLU, including its Secretary General Daudi Kabandi, Chairman of the Western Region Balaam Barugahara, and Director of External Affairs Michael Katungi, have already declared via X that they will support Gen. Kainerugaba’s decision.
All our patriotic forces around the world and millions of @Plugandaa supporters,we will continue in the mobilisation mode for our CIC and President @KagutaMuseveni as advised by our Chairman @mkainerugaba. Kindly keep the morally high and gears engaged.Hold fort,visit you soon.
— Michael Katungi. (@MKatungi) September 21, 2024
Hehe your good friend Daudi is patiently waiting for the right time. He believes in the Father, Son and the holy spirit.
— Daudi Kabanda (@DaudiKabanda) September 20, 2024
My leader General @mkainerugaba , i fully declare my unwavering support for General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's endorsement of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's candidacy in 2026. As our esteemed leader, your guidance is invaluable, and I pledge to stand firmly behind your…
— Hon Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. (@BalaamAteenyiDr) September 21, 2024
However, some party stalwarts, while committed to continuing their support for the General, noted that they were heartbroken by the development.
Afande, I’m speaking honestly when I say I am heartbroken. However, we continue to move forward. We love Mzee as much as we love and respect you. Unfortunately, the greedy, selfish, and corrupt individuals surrounding him remain the country's greatest enemies. pic.twitter.com/IEXgIedoqO
— Hon Mwesigye Frank (@MwesigyeFranks) September 20, 2024
This is so heartbreaking regardless we move jaaja @KagutaMuseveni mpaka 2031.@mkainerugaba @Plugandaa @NRMOnline pic.twitter.com/Cp9jXtCziD
— Tumukunde Edinah (@edinahtumukude) September 21, 2024
In a series of posts, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba shared some key developments to be expected moving forward.
On PLU members who want to run in the upcoming elections, he said: "On PLU members who want to contest for parliament, nothing is stopping you from doing that. PLU is a civic organisation, not a political party. You are absolutely free to contest. For now, I advise you to subscribe to NRM. That's the political party that is most closely aligned to our values."
On corruption, which many of his supporters expected him to tackle after becoming president, he posted on X: "As for the corrupt and thieves, Mzee is going to get rid of all of them. We will NOT accept 'State Capture' in Uganda. There will be no Guptas here. Mzee knows that the revolution demands the removal of bad seed as a minimum."
He also assured Ugandans that "No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni."
"The security forces will not allow it," he said. "The next leader will be a soldier or policeman."
He urged PLU supporters to back President Museveni.
"All my millions of supporters. All the supporters of PLU. We shall all of us, as one man and without exception, support President Museveni in 2026," he posted on X. "The future belongs to our mighty God alone, and we shall triumph in His name."
We shall continue supporting our greatest President @KagutaMuseveni . Thank you for a clear announcement, I will mobilize for Mzee. https://t.co/Fzx3qxNWMm
— Kayera Janipher (@Kayera256) September 21, 2024
The Almighty God desires for you to unite with the dedicated army and His devoted servants, all proud Ugandans. The path to fulfilling this vision lies in your courageous decision to stand for the presidency in 2026, as the majority hope and believe you can lead us forward. GEN… https://t.co/pmUBsPreU2
— 𝐌𝐑. 𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐍 (@MrJordanposts) September 21, 2024
This is well-noted and long overdue, Senior Comrade. There's definitely so much clean up work here and regionally for the beloved resistance forces! It is now easier to protect the uniform (the state gown) from divisive politics until the right time! Komez'imbere comrade🙏
— Arinaitwe Otim Rugyendo🇺🇬 (@RugyendoQuotes) September 21, 2024
We believe in our Supreme Leader Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. We believe in all his decisions.....he makes the right decisions . Gen @mkainerugaba represents the interests of our generation. pic.twitter.com/hIJWYBcIGg
— SS Sebunya (@SSssebunya) September 21, 2024
The Young Generation loves you so much Gen. Muhoozi @mkainerugaba you as our esteemed leader, your guidance is invaluable, and I pledge to stand firmly behind your declaration.
— Micheal vybz Music ug (@michealvybz256) September 21, 2024
As a PLU Foot soldier I won't stop I will keep the Fire Burning until the right time.
Long live Gen. MK pic.twitter.com/u91EuZgVBI
Gen. @mkainerugaba is never predictable, always impressive he’s the most brilliant leader of our time!!
— Prillah Bagaaya Akiiki (@BagaayaP) September 21, 2024
Long live MK. pic.twitter.com/lnLZMzqfvr
Nitukukunda.😊 pic.twitter.com/Ag0stG9eB9
— Dinah Nandinda M. (@Inah_Nandy) September 21, 2024
We believe in our Supreme Leader Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. We believe in all his decisions.....he makes the right decisions . Gen @mkainerugaba represents the interests of our generation. pic.twitter.com/hIJWYBcIGg
— SS Sebunya (@SSssebunya) September 21, 2024
Your time will come Commander ❤️🙌🏻🙏 https://t.co/J5ce9hSFGX
— Eddie Jack Art🖍️🎨 📸 (@EddieJackArt) September 20, 2024
Revolutionaries understand leadership is not just titles but responsibilities—the same great responsibilities you still carry & execute with great excellence as the CDF. We attach great value & respect the office you hold, understanding the political dynamics of the region & also https://t.co/IZui3qp8Si
— Ruhima Jonah (@JonahRuhima) September 21, 2024
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