Former government spokesperson and Member of Parliament representing older persons, Ofwono Opondo, has warned National Resistance Movement (NRM) politicians against what he describes as childish political conduct, following a wave of endorsements for General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s proposed 2031 presidential bid. Opondo urged ministers and Members of Parliament to respect established rules instead of rushing to promote a future presidential candidate while President Yoweri Museveni has a fresh mandate.
Speaking on Capital FM’s Capital Gang programme on Saturday, Opondo questioned why senior government officials were publicly endorsing Muhoozi only five months after the presidential election. He argued that the timing of the endorsements raised concerns about the conduct of leaders who currently serve in Museveni’s government.
“There are people who are just in Cabinet but in child’s play. I am an elder of the NRM and I am honest. We must follow the rules,” Opondo said, expressing frustration with what he considers a failure by some party members to observe political discipline.
Opondo further questioned whether the growing support for Muhoozi could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Museveni’s leadership. He argued that when ministers publicly rally behind another presidential aspirant so soon after an election, it raises questions about their commitment to the president who appointed them and the mandate he received from voters.
The controversy comes as the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), chaired by Muhoozi, continues mobilising support for his proposed 2031 presidential campaign. The organisation has been seeking endorsements from political leaders, local mobilisers and other influential figures as it builds support for the general’s possible future candidacy.
Several government officials have already joined the campaign. On October 2, 2026, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze led Tooro Members of Parliament to the PLU chairman’s office in Nakasero, where they endorsed Muhoozi. State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere Nsubuga and Internal Affairs Minister Juma Witonze Kisekka have also reportedly declared their support for the initiative.
Other political figures, including Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda and former minister Musa Echweru, have reportedly taken coordination roles in the endorsement drive. The activities have attracted attention within the ruling party, particularly because the campaign is focused on a possible presidential contest several years away.
Opondo has also warned that the political manoeuvres could send mixed signals to investors and raise questions about stability and discipline within the government. While Muhoozi’s supporters present the endorsements as preparations for future leadership, Opondo insists that NRM politicians should respect the rules and avoid conduct that could undermine confidence in the current president.
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