A Big Challenge for Gen Muhoozi: Uganda Youth Umbrella Endorses Gen. Salim Saleh for President 2031–2036

The Uganda Youth Umbrella has endorsed retired General Salim Saleh to contest for President of Uganda for the 2031–2036 term, describing him as an experienced leader capable of guiding the country into the future.

The endorsement was announced during the official launch of the Uganda Youth Umbrella, where the organisation said it would mobilise young people across the country behind what it described as Saleh’s vision for Uganda beyond 2026.

The youth organisation cited Saleh’s experience, contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle, economic empowerment programmes and involvement in youth development as some of the reasons behind its decision.

The group particularly highlighted his association with Operation Wealth Creation and other wealth-creation initiatives, arguing that such programmes have encouraged young people to participate in agriculture, agribusiness, innovation and small-scale manufacturing.

The Uganda Youth Umbrella also portrayed Saleh as a leader capable of bridging generational and regional differences. The organisation said his long experience in Uganda’s political and economic affairs could help promote national unity.

According to the group, its proposed support for Saleh goes beyond political considerations and is also focused on the economic challenges facing young Ugandans, including unemployment and limited opportunities for income generation.

The organisation called on farmers, boda boda riders, students, entrepreneurs and other youth groups to join its nationwide mobilisation campaign. It said the initiative would focus on building support for Saleh ahead of the 2031 elections under the slogan, “Building Uganda’s Future, For the People, For the Nation.”

The endorsement adds a new dimension to discussions about Uganda’s future leadership and could create an interesting political challenge for other figures being linked to the country’s 2031 succession debate, including Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.