At least 208 former Members of Parliament from Uganda’s 10th Parliament have endorsed Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the 2031 presidential election, pledging to use their grassroots networks to mobilise support for his candidature across the country.
The former legislators, who identify themselves as the “317 Historicals,” were led by former Sheema District Woman MP Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, who played a key role in bringing them together for the endorsement at the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) offices on Naguru Hill in Kampala.
The former MPs further described themselves as “serial endorsers”, referring to their history of supporting constitutional and political initiatives associated with President Yoweri Museveni.
Hon. Jacklet said the latest endorsement was a declaration of their support for Gen Muhoozi and what they described as a new generation of leadership focused on wealth creation, peace and stability and socio-economic transformation.
She called on Ugandans to rally behind Gen Muhoozi ahead of the 2031 elections, saying the former legislators would take the mobilisation effort to their respective constituencies.
“Ugandans should endorse him, trust him and always pray for him,” Hon. Jacklet said. “We should give him our support and mobilise our people in the different constituencies.”
She also praised Gen Muhoozi over what she described as his commitment to fighting corruption, saying the issue should remain central to the country’s leadership and development agenda.
Hon. Jacklet said the former MPs were prepared to contribute their political experience and grassroots networks to the mobilisation effort, arguing that their understanding of communities across the country would help them engage voters at constituency level.
She further urged people around Gen Muhoozi to provide him with proper guidance as he prepares for what she described as a major generational responsibility.
“Those around him should always tell him the truth, even when it hurts. They should guide him wisely,” she said.
Hon. Jacklet likened the responsibility awaiting Gen Muhoozi to an extremely demanding journey, saying the transition would require preparation, discipline and people capable of offering sound advice.
“Our generational leader is about to put on the shoes of President M7, and those shoes are as high as climbing Mount Everest and as deep as going under the ocean,” she said.
The former legislators said their mobilisation would focus on grassroots engagement, with members expected to return to their former constituencies and work with local leaders and communities.
The endorsement comes amid a broader mobilisation drive around Gen Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential bid. PLU has been conducting a nationwide endorsement exercise, with its official platform currently inviting Ugandans to add their endorsements.
Other team leaders among the former MPs included Hon. Okello Bony Deseles of Kole and Hon. Onyango Gideon.
The former legislators pledged to work together in mobilising support for Gen Muhoozi while promoting the issues they associate with his anticipated leadership, including wealth creation, peace, stability and socio-economic transformation.
Hon. Jacklet said their task would now be to take the endorsement beyond Naguru and into the communities where they previously served as elected representatives.
“We know our constituencies and we know our people. We shall go back to them and mobilise support for Gen Muhoozi,” she said.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing public mobilisation around Gen Muhoozi’s declared intention to seek the presidency in 2031. In August, Gen Muhoozi publicly announced that he would stand for the country’s highest office in 2031.