National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong has clarified that the ongoing endorsements of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the presidency represent the wishes of his supporters and do not amount to an official decision by the ruling party.
Speaking to the media, Todwong said the NRM would select its presidential flag bearer through the party’s established internal procedures when the appropriate time comes. He stressed that the process would not be dictated by pressure from groups campaigning for a particular candidate.
His remarks come amid growing activities by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which is led by Muhoozi, as its officials travel across the country seeking signatures from supporters backing a possible presidential bid in 2031.
During these activities, PLU supporters have reportedly encouraged Ugandans to endorse Muhoozi, with some arguing that President Yoweri Museveni should not seek another term because of his age. However, such statements represent the views of the campaigners and do not constitute an official announcement about Museveni’s future plans.
Todwong’s comments draw a distinction between public endorsements and the formal process through which the NRM chooses its presidential candidate. Although individuals and groups can express support for a potential candidate, the party’s official decision must follow its own procedures.
The clarification comes as speculation continues about Uganda’s political future and the question of who could lead the NRM in the 2031 presidential election. Muhoozi’s growing political visibility has fuelled discussion about succession, particularly because he is Museveni’s son and currently serves as Chief of Defence Forces.
The PLU endorsement drive could increase pressure on the NRM to address questions about its future leadership, but Todwong’s statement indicates that the party is not treating the ongoing signatures as its official selection of a candidate.
For now, the NRM says its presidential flag bearer will be determined through its internal processes when the time comes. The ongoing endorsements therefore reflect the preferences of Muhoozi’s supporters rather than a formal party decision on who will represent the ruling movement in 2031.
