President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly proposed his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his preferred successor during a high-level meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) at State House Entebbe. The reported development has brought Uganda’s long-running succession debate directly into discussions within the ruling party’s top decision-making organ.

According to a report by ChimpReports, the meeting took place on Tuesday after CEC members were summoned for what was described as urgent discussions. Upon arrival, members were presented with a six-point agenda, with political succession listed as the first item, signalling the importance attached to the question of who should lead the NRM after Museveni.

During the discussion, Museveni reportedly addressed concerns about Muhoozi’s controversial social media posts, saying he personally had no problem with his son’s tweets. He is also said to have described Muhoozi as a patriot, Pan-Africanist and anti-corruption crusader who has contributed to strengthening the military and addressing weaknesses in government service delivery.

The President reportedly highlighted Muhoozi’s military career, including his involvement in building the Special Forces Command, strengthening the army and participating in regional security operations. Museveni also presented a succession discussion paper for consideration by CEC members, outlining priorities that included the economy, regional integration, strengthening the military, construction of an NRM headquarters and empowering district party leaders.

The reported proposal received support from some senior party figures, including NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda and State Minister Haruna Kasolo and NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr Tanga Odoi. However, the report indicates that Hadijah Namyalo, head of the NRM Chairperson’s office, opposed the proposal, raising concerns about the withdrawal of her security guards.

Namyalo reportedly told the meeting that she felt insecure after her guards were withdrawn, prompting Museveni to dismiss the matter as a smaller issue that could be handled separately. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among reportedly remained silent during the succession discussion, while the President told members that the aspirations of the majority would prevail and urged them to keep the deliberations confidential.

The reported development gives fresh attention to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), whose supporters have been mobilising around Muhoozi’s possible presidential ambitions ahead of the 2031 elections. Although Muhoozi’s supporters have openly promoted his political future, the reported presentation of a succession paper before the CEC would represent a significant step in bringing the debate into formal party discussions.

Uganda’s succession question has remained a subject of political speculation for years, particularly because Museveni has led the country since 1986. However, the reported discussions do not by themselves amount to a formal NRM endorsement or an official transfer of power. The next steps within the party, including whether members will reach a collective position, will determine how the succession debate develops.