Gen. Muhoozi Lauds Youth for Backing ‘Peace’ in 2026 General Elections

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has credited Ugandan youth for what he described as a decisive choice for peace and stability, saying their actions ensured a calm electoral process and continuity of leadership following the 2026 General Elections.

In a message delivered by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to hundreds of supporters gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during his 52nd birthday celebrations, Gen. Muhoozi said young people rejected alleged plans to cause unrest and instead upheld national stability.

“We have just concluded the election where President Yoweri Museveni secured a resounding victory. That victory belongs to you, the patriotic young people of Uganda, who turned out in massive numbers for peace, stability, and the future of our nation,” Muhoozi said. He said Ugandan youth, who form the majority of the population, rejected plans to cause chaos during and after the elections, choosing peace and continuity of the ruling government instead.

Muhoozi added that the focus of the security establishment has now shifted to preparations for the peaceful swearing-in of President Museveni’s seventh-term government scheduled for May 12, 2026. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 after a guerrilla war, won the election with 71.65 percent, equivalent to 7,946,772 votes. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP) came second with 24.75 percent, representing 2,741,238 votes, results he rejected before leaving the country.

On his personal life, Muhoozi said his birthday celebrations were largely private until the age of 12, shortly after his family returned from exile in Sweden. He said he later resumed public celebrations in 2019 after being encouraged by Frank Tumwebaze, David Kabanda, and Lillian Aber.

“Through further encouragement from Andrew Mwenda in 2022, these celebrations have been transformed into a routine. Today they serve a higher purpose of mobilizing young Ugandans for patriotic causes, such as this year’s effort to support vulnerable groups through charity to uplift their hopes,” Muhoozi said. 

The marathon attracted a strong presence from security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Special Forces Command. Among the participants was former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura, who described Muhoozi as “the hope for Uganda’s next president.”

Thank you for supporting Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s birthday. Thank you for turning up in big numbers. You should know that he is our hope for the next President of the Republic of Uganda,” Kayihura said. State Minister for Defence Huda Abason Oleru urged Ugandans to embrace discipline, hard work, and patriotism, while shunning unhealthy habits for the country’s future.

David Kabanda, Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda and head of the MK Marathon organising committee, said proceeds from the run will support vulnerable children’s homes and ghetto communities. The total amount raised was not disclosed.