I Will Not Be on 2026 Ballot - Gen Kainerugaba

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced that he will not be running in the 2026 presidential elections, contrary to the expectations of some of his supporters. Instead, he declared his continued dedication to the military.

Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, endorsed President Yoweri Museveni's presidential bid in a post on X, Saturday morning.

"I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on His Army first. So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections," he said.

In another post, he reiterated his commitment to serving the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).

"For me, NOTHING on this earth is more Holier than UPDF! So, I cannot think of a greater honour than being in UPDF," he said. "It is Holy Ground!! God bless Holy UPDF and Sacred Uganda forever!!"

Many of his supporters who had hoped to see him on the ballot after he previously declared his presidential ambitions took to X to express their disappointment.

"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," said Frank Mwesigye.

"Dear General MK, We understand your announcement to endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 elections, citing divine guidance to focus on God's Army first. However, we'd like to respectfully urge you to reconsider your decision not to run," reads part of Everest Bushara's post.

However, some remained positive. Said Jordan Ddungu in an X post: "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 MK is my next CIC 2026🇺🇬"