Former Minister Musa Ecweru and the minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, are among the latest senior NRM figures to publicly endorse Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the presidency in 2031.
The endorsements were made as supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) continued to turn up at the organisation’s offices in Kampala to sign books supporting Gen Muhoozi’s possible presidential bid.
Ecweru, who was accompanied by PLU supporters from Amuria district, said he had decided to support Gen Muhoozi because he believes he represents continuity, peace and development.
“I have decided to endorse Muhoozi because of continuity, peace, development and to continue with the war against corruption,” Echweru said.
Kabanda became one of the senior government figures to publicly endorse Gen Muhoozi during an event at the PLU offices in Kololo.
She arrived with supporters from Kisenyi and received endorsement registration books from officials in the office of the PLU chairman.
Kabanda said she had initially been hesitant about openly supporting Gen Muhoozi because of his close relationship with President Museveni, whom she also supports.
“I am afraid of supporting Gen Muhoozi because he is a son of the President of Uganda, whom I also love so much,” she said.
But she said her relationship with Gen Muhoozi had made it easier for her to support his political ambitions.
“Muhoozi is my son,” Kabanda said.
Kabanda described Gen Muhoozi as a potential alternative or backup to President Museveni.
“I consider Gen Muhoozi as a standby generator. Even Museveni knows that I support him,” she said.
Her comments add to the growing number of NRM politicians and government officials openly associating themselves with Gen Muhoozi’s political ambitions.
Gen Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces, has in recent years attracted a growing political following through the PLU, although President Museveni remains Uganda’s president and was sworn in for another term in May 2026.
Daudi Kabanda, the head of the office of the PLU chairman, welcomed the growing number of Ugandans signing the endorsement books.
He said the endorsements by senior government officials, particularly ministers, should not be dismissed.
“This is not something to be taken lightly,” Kabanda said.
He urged PLU supporters to use the registration books properly and ensure that everyone who supports Gen Muhoozi signs.
“These books I have dispatched must be used properly and ensure that all supporters append their signatures,” he said.
Kabanda also rejected claims that Museveni is imposing his son on Ugandans.
