Uganda: The ruling party rejects the succession of Yoweri Museveni by his son

The leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ruling party in Uganda, has expressed its opposition to the succession plan put forward by President Yoweri Museveni, who would like to see his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, succeed him as head of the country, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Aged 52, the Ugandan army chief wields increasing influence, while his 82-year-old father has ruled the country since 1986. He has already announced his intention to run for president in the next election, scheduled for 2031.

However, his perceived authoritarian behavior, repeated threats against opponents, and provocative statements on social media have sparked serious concerns within the ruling party. In recent months, several political adversaries have reportedly been imprisoned, while Muhoozi Kainerugaba has notably threatened to behead opposition leader Bobi Wine. He has also been implicated in the temporary closure of the country's main independent media group.

During a closed-door meeting of the NRM's executive committee on Tuesday, dedicated to the question of succession, discussions revealed unusual divisions. The vote on the president's son's candidacy was ultimately halted after several members expressed their disagreement, prompting strong reactions of approval. According to AFP sources, four participants had voted in favor of his candidacy and three against before the vote was suspended.

The party's vice-president, Calvin Echodu, reportedly recommended that Museveni withdraw his son from the army and give him civilian responsibilities so he could gain political experience and better prepare him for exercising power. He also reportedly urged the president to run for another term in 2031, believing his son was not yet ready to succeed him.

This challenge represents a rare sign of defiance against Yoweri Museveni, whose power has been firmly established for four decades. Yet, at the end of October, the president had presented a document to party leaders in which he defended his son's suitability to take the reins of the country.

Tensions have escalated further in recent days following more virulent statements by Muhoozi Kainerugaba on the X network. He notably threatened to arrest Vice President Jessica Alupo, accusing her of being involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government.