Kampala, Uganda: Members of the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN) have publicly called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to appoint the First Son and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as Uganda’s next Vice President, arguing that the move would guarantee stability, continuity and a “planned transition” within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Monday, the youthful pro-NRM pressure group said Uganda’s biggest political concern today is no longer leadership itself, but uncertainty surrounding succession and continuity within the ruling establishment.
The media briefing, held amid heightened political debate over succession, corruption and power struggles inside government, featured remarks from outspoken NRM youth leader Ivan Mwijukye, who argued that Gen Muhoozi has already demonstrated leadership and influence beyond his current military role and should now formally be elevated to the country’s second-highest political office.
“Uganda has never lacked leaders, but Uganda has lacked timely decisions,” Mwijukye said. “We have only feared to debate transition, yet the only fear we as young cadres have is about stability and continuity of the NRM revolution,” he added.
‘Future belongs to those who prepare’
The NRN leader argued that failure to prepare for political succession could eventually create instability and factionalism within the country. “The future belongs to those who prepare,” Mwijukye said.
“It is upon this background that we request His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to appoint General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Vice President as we prepare for a planned and clear transition rather than a struggle and partition of power.”
He further claimed that silence around succession planning had itself become a national political issue. “Silence alone has become a political question in Uganda. When certain leaders do not speak, people become worried,” Mwijukye remarked.
Despite Gen Muhoozi currently ranking lower within the formal national hierarchy, Mwijukye says his actions had demonstrated stronger leadership than many senior government officials. “In the order of hierarchy, the CDF may be number 27, but he has managed to conquer spaces and fight corruption while the other 24 are sleeping,” he said.
‘Removal of Among changes nothing’
However, the press conference quickly shifted into a broader critique of corruption, governance failures and what the group described as “selective accountability” within government. Edgar Stuart Mugisha, a former Makerere guild speaker and youth leader from Sheema, said the recent political troubles facing outgoing Speaker Anita Among should not be mistaken for systemic reform.
“The change of faces in the Speakership is not a fundamental change. It is merely a change of guard,” Mugisha said.
He argued that corruption, poor public services and inequality remained deeply entrenched despite recent high-profile investigations and raids involving parliamentary officials.
“So now, why are you celebrating that Among is gone? What has it changed in your life?” he asked. “Aren’t children still dying in hospitals? Aren’t civil servants still marginalised? Aren’t people still stealing money?”
Mugisha described the public humiliation of Among as “politics of demagoguery,” accusing sections of the establishment of selectively targeting individuals while leaving broader corruption networks untouched. “If this operation against corruption is to be credible, it must come for all the corrupt,” he said.
“The whole system must burn. When every corrupt official bends their knees and is sent to Luzira, then we shall praise the government.”
Youth frustrations
The NRN members also used the platform to raise concerns about youth unemployment, low wages and unfulfilled government promises.
Mugisha reminded President Museveni about pledges made during the 2026 campaigns, including plans for a graduate support fund for unemployed university graduates.
“We have very many unemployed young people who spend more than five years outside university without work,” he said, criticising what he described as exploitative salary structures for young professionals.
“You finish university with a professional degree, but the highest amount you can earn is Shs800,000. That money cannot feed you or help you start a family.”
The group strongly called for youth-targeted development funds under programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to be ring-fenced and protected from misuse by older political actors.
The latest remarks from the NRN come at a time of growing political mobilisation around Gen Muhoozi, whose Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) movement has increasingly positioned itself as an influential force within Uganda’s political landscape ahead of the 2026-2031 term.
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