Any Political Transition Must Follow The Law – Museveni’s Minister To Gen Muhoozi’s PLU

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda has cautioned supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) against actions that could create political divisions, insisting that any leadership transition in Uganda must follow the Constitution. She said discussions about the country’s future leadership should not undermine President Yoweri Museveni’s current mandate or create unnecessary tension within the ruling establishment.

In an opinion article addressing the growing debate over succession, Babalanda said Ugandans were free to discuss future leadership and prepare for a political transition, provided they respected the law. She emphasised that leadership changes must take place through established constitutional and electoral procedures rather than through pressure or political confrontation.

Babalanda cited Article 105(1) of the Constitution, which provides for a five-year presidential term. She maintained that Museveni remains the duly elected President and that government officials are expected to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and the President’s lawful directives.

“I have no fundamental objection to Ugandans discussing future leadership or preparing for a political transition through lawful means,” Babalanda wrote, acknowledging that succession was a legitimate subject for public debate. She added that such a transition would eventually come, given that political leadership is governed by constitutional provisions and the passage of time.

Her comments follow concerns raised by Older Persons representative for eastern Uganda Ofwono Opondo and presidential adviser Proscovia Nalweyiso about the timing and manner of succession discussions. Opondo warned that efforts to promote a post-Museveni presidency could be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the incumbent leader, potentially creating uncertainty and affecting investor confidence.

Nalweyiso also questioned why succession campaigns were gaining momentum shortly after Museveni began a new term. She urged NRM supporters to concentrate on implementing the party’s 2026–2031 manifesto rather than allowing leadership debates to distract them from government priorities.

Babalanda further addressed criticism she received after directing resident district commissioners to remain loyal to the President and fulfil their official duties. Some PLU supporters reportedly interpreted her position as opposition to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces. She rejected that interpretation, describing Muhoozi as her brother and praising his contribution to national security and the fight against corruption.

The minister urged supporters of both the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and PLU to avoid insults, intimidation and personal attacks as discussions about Uganda’s political future continue. She argued that supporting Museveni’s current leadership and preparing for a future transition were not necessarily contradictory, provided political activities remained within the law. Her message was that constitutional procedures, patience and respectful debate should guide succession discussions instead of allowing them to deepen divisions among political supporters.