Credible sources from State House revealed to this investigative media power house that, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is reportedly considering retiring before the 2031 general elections, with his younger brother, General Salim Saleh, emerging as a possible successor in discussions surrounding Uganda’s political future.
The claims, contained different reports, indicates that Museveni is interested in ensuring a peaceful and orderly transfer of power that would safeguard national stability and prevent political uncertainty.
According to the reports, the President has allegedly held consultations with selected political and religious figures, including former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, as part of discussions about the country’s future leadership.
The consultations reportedly focused on identifying a leader capable of bringing together different political interests, maintaining national cohesion and managing a possible transition without escalating political tensions.
Gen. Saleh is said to have emerged among the names reportedly considered, with those allegedly supporting his candidacy pointing to his longstanding influence within government, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the security establishment and business circles.
The report further claims that some stakeholders believe his relationships across different political and economic sectors could position him to engage a wider range of actors, including opposition leaders.
It also alleges that Museveni privately communicated to Dr. Rugunda his preference to retire before 2031, provided that a succession arrangement capable of maintaining peace and continuity is secured.
In another claim, the publication alleges that Museveni tasked Dr. Rugunda and Gen. Saleh with developing proposals on the country’s political transition. However, the details of the alleged proposals have not been made public.
The succession debate has also attracted attention following President Museveni’s recent engagement with members of the ruling NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The President reportedly addressed concerns raised by Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, who had earlier challenged him during a Cabinet meeting to clarify publicly the Patriotic League of Uganda’s (PLU) alleged ambitions of taking over political leadership in 2031.
Museveni reportedly declined to give a definitive position at the time, with the matter gaining further attention during the subsequent CEC meeting, where he is said to have described the qualities of a person he believes could take over leadership from him.
Although the President’s remarks have generated speculation about his preferred successor, they do not, on their own, establish that Gen. Saleh has been selected or that a formal succession arrangement is underway.
The report also raises the possibility of a broader political arrangement involving opposition figures under a coalition government, although there is no official indication that such negotiations or an agreement are underway.
Despite the claims, there has been no publicly verified confirmation from State House, President Museveni, Dr. Rugunda or Gen. Saleh establishing that a succession plan has been agreed upon or that Gen. Saleh has been selected as a possible successor.
The allegations therefore remain unverified and should not be interpreted as an official presidential decision.
Uganda’s political succession remains a matter of national interest, particularly as the country approaches the 2031 electoral cycle. Any eventual transition would have significant constitutional and political implications.
For now, the reported retirement plans and the alleged emergence of Gen. Saleh as a potential successor remain claims awaiting independent verification and an official response from the individuals mentioned.
