Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda has appeared to extend an olive branch to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba following a public disagreement over the 2031 presidential elections, telling the senior army officer that they are together and signalling her willingness to support his political journey.

The development follows a strong warning from Gen Muhoozi, who recently accused Babalanda of spreading what he described as falsehoods concerning the country’s political future. Muhoozi demanded an apology from the minister and warned that she could lose her government position if she did not address the issue.

The disagreement emerged after Babalanda was seen in a video speaking about President Yoweri Museveni’s political future. In the remarks that circulated widely online, she reportedly maintained that Museveni would remain active in politics and would feature on the ballot in 2031, a position that appeared to conflict with statements coming from Muhoozi’s political camp.

The controversy followed an earlier announcement by Muhoozi’s supporters that the CDF had received the green light to prepare for a presidential bid in 2031. His political supporters have argued that there is an understanding about the future leadership of Uganda, with Muhoozi expected to seek the presidency after Museveni’s current political chapter.

David Kabanda, who serves as Muhoozi’s personal assistant, had also spoken about the alleged arrangement between Museveni and his son. According to the claims that circulated, Museveni would continue with his leadership role for the current period before eventually making way for Muhoozi in 2031.

Babalanda’s remarks therefore attracted considerable attention because they appeared to send a different message about what could happen in the next presidential election. Her position created discussion among supporters and political observers, with many asking whether the ruling establishment had agreed on a clear succession plan.

Muhoozi responded strongly to the controversy and directly called on Babalanda to apologise. He stated that he wanted an apology from the minister for what he described as spreading falsehoods, adding that failure to do so could have consequences for her position in government.

The warning immediately became a major talking point because Babalanda is a powerful government figure who has served as Minister for the Presidency since 2021. Her position gives her significant influence within government and the ruling political establishment, making Muhoozi’s public demand particularly notable.

Babalanda has now seemingly chosen to calm the disagreement rather than allow the confrontation to continue. Using X, the same platform where Muhoozi had made his demand, she responded by attaching his earlier message and adding the words, “Afande Tuko Pamoja,” which means “we are together, sir.”

Her message has been interpreted as an attempt to reassure Muhoozi that she remains on the same side and does not intend to oppose his political ambitions. The response has also been viewed as a public effort to mend the relationship after the disagreement over the 2031 presidential candidature.

Muhoozi appeared to acknowledge Babalanda’s response and thanked her for the gesture. However, according to the report, he went further by asking her to visit the offices of the Patriotic League of Uganda in Nakasero and sign an endorsement form as evidence of her support for his journey toward the presidency.

The reported exchange has generated fresh discussion about Muhoozi’s growing political influence. His supporters have increasingly presented him as the person who could take over the political leadership of the country in 2031, while senior figures around the ruling establishment continue to make statements that sometimes create uncertainty about the succession question.

The latest incident has also highlighted the importance of clear communication among senior members of the ruling establishment. Statements concerning the 2031 election attract significant public attention because the question of who will seek the presidency is already becoming one of the biggest political discussions in Uganda.

Babalanda’s decision to publicly declare that she and Muhoozi are together has therefore been welcomed by those who believe that the disagreement should not divide members of the same political establishment. Her statement appears designed to close the disagreement and demonstrate that whatever differences existed over the interpretation of the 2031 question can be resolved.

The political debate has also involved other prominent individuals who have taken different positions on Muhoozi’s ambitions. The supplied report points to lawyer Ivan Mwijukye, who had been involved in online exchanges concerning Muhoozi’s supporters and had defended Odrek Rwabwogo and his organisation, PACEID.

That separate dispute also attracted attention after comments linked to Muhoozi concerning the Hutu community reportedly drew a response from the Rwandan government’s spokesperson. The incident became another example of how statements made by prominent Ugandan political and military figures can quickly generate wider regional discussion.

For Muhoozi’s supporters, the developments involving Babalanda are being presented as evidence that his political influence is expanding. They point to the fact that the minister publicly moved to reassure him after his warning, interpreting the development as a sign that senior figures are increasingly taking his 2031 ambitions seriously.

However, the question of who will ultimately contest the 2031 presidential election remains politically sensitive. While Muhoozi has expressed his intention to seek the presidency, President Museveni’s own future intentions will remain an important part of the national conversation until there is an official and final position.

For now, Babalanda’s message of “Afande Tuko Pamoja” has shifted the tone of the disagreement from confrontation toward reconciliation. Her response suggests that she does not want the dispute over the 2031 candidature to develop into a lasting political conflict between herself and Muhoozi.

The incident has once again placed Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the 2031 presidential question at the centre of public attention. As political preparations and discussions continue, statements from senior figures such as Babalanda are likely to remain closely watched, especially whenever they touch on Museveni’s future and Muhoozi’s ambition to become Uganda’s next president.