Lieutenant general Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s long-running President Yoweri Museveni announced his retirement from the military on Tuesday.
His move is widely seen as preparing the ground for a potential run for the presidency in 2026.
Ugandan law forbids soldiers from participating in politics.
“After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement,” Kainerugaba said on Twitter on Tuesday, without giving reasons for his retirement.
Many Ugandans and critics of President Museveni who has ruled the east African country since 1986 said Kainerugaba was rushed through the ranks by his father and is being groomed to succeed him. Museveni, 77, has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Kainerugaba’s supporters have said he has a right to seek the country’s presidency like any other citizen and have been pressing a campaign on social media and elsewhere for him to stand in 2026.
Kainerugaba, 47, has not publicly declared any intention to run for office.
