A fresh disagreement has reportedly emerged within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) over President Yoweri Museveni’s succession, with senior party figures questioning whether Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is ready to take over the country’s leadership in 2031.
According to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the disagreement emerged during a closed-door meeting of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Some members reportedly challenged proposals to position Muhoozi as Museveni’s successor, with several expressing reservations about his political readiness.
Among those who reportedly raised concerns was NRM Vice Chairperson Calvin Echodu, who advised Museveni to first retire his son from the military and give him a civilian position. Echodu reportedly argued that such an arrangement would help Muhoozi gain experience in civilian administration before attempting to lead the country.
According to participants quoted in the report, Echodu also suggested that Museveni should consider contesting again in the 2031 presidential elections, arguing that Muhoozi was not yet prepared to assume the presidency. His proposal reportedly reflected concerns among some senior party officials about the army chief’s transition from military leadership into civilian politics.
The meeting reportedly became tense as members discussed Muhoozi’s suitability for the country’s top office. Some participants questioned his confrontational social media statements and threats against political opponents, arguing that such conduct had unsettled sections of the ruling party.
AFP reported that the committee had 28 members, but voting on the succession proposal reportedly stopped after only seven had voted. Four supported Muhoozi’s candidature, while three opposed it, before the process was abandoned following objections from members.
The disagreement follows an earlier CEC meeting on October 27, 2026, during which Museveni reportedly presented a discussion paper outlining qualities he believes Uganda’s next leader should possess. Although Muhoozi’s supporters interpreted the discussions as an endorsement of his ambitions, other senior NRM officials, including Electoral Commission chairman Tanga Odoi, reportedly disputed claims that the party had made a formal decision on succession.
Muhoozi, who has openly expressed interest in contesting the 2031 presidential election, continues to enjoy support from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). However, the latest reported developments suggest that his ambitions remain a subject of discussion within the NRM, with some senior figures calling for him to gain civilian leadership experience before seeking the country’s highest political office.
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