Iganga Youth Umbrella Calls on Gen Salim Saleh to Seek 2031 Presidency

By Barasa Richard for Osmara Digital Media

Iganga | October 7, 2026- IGANGA — Youth leaders under the Uganda Youth Umbrella (UYU) have called on General Salim Saleh (Rtd) to consider contesting for Uganda’s presidency in the 2031–2036 term, while urging Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to remain in the military and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to retire honourably at the end of his current term.

The call was made on Tuesday at Ntinda Valley Resort Hotel in Iganga Municipality, where the youth leaders told journalists that Uganda needs what they described as a transitional leader capable of combining wealth creation, national security and employment opportunities for young people. The group identified Gen. Saleh, the Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), as their preferred figure for such a transition, citing his experience in security and wealth-creation programmes. “We have seen what Gen Salim Saleh has done for the youth through OWC, his Gulu logistics hub and his open-door policy. He is the only hope to take Uganda forward after Mzee,” said Wagubi David Kato, the UYU chairperson.

Nalugoda Salim, the vice chairperson, said the youth were looking for opportunities to become economically independent rather than simply seeking employment. “The only person we have hope in to take the country forward after this term ends is Gen. Salim Saleh. We are tired of job seekers; we want to be job creators and Gen Saleh teaches that,” he said.

The youth also appealed to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, to continue serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces rather than seeking the presidency in 2031. They praised Gen. Muhoozi for what they described as his contribution to the professionalisation of the UPDF and his engagement with young people, but argued that he should remain in uniform while Gen. Saleh takes up the political mantle they are proposing.

The appeal comes amid growing political discussion around the 2031 presidential race. Recent reports have indicated that Gen. Muhoozi has been publicly linked to a presidential bid for 2031.

The UYU leaders also called on President Museveni, who began a new five-year presidential term in May 2026 after winning the January 2026 election, to retire at the end of the 2026–2031 term.

They praised Museveni for his long leadership of Uganda and credited his administration with contributions to peace, infrastructure and education, while asking him to remain available as an elder and adviser after leaving office. “Mzee Museveni is our father. Forty years is enough. He should become advisor like they said. But the party must decide. Salim Saleh is his brother; that will bring stability,” said Mzee Kisige Patrick, an NRM elder from Bugweri.

Women urged to back Saleh proposal

Tibikoma Amina, UYU Women Affairs representative and councillor for Bukamba in Kaliro District, appealed to women to support the proposal, saying Gen. Saleh understands the economic challenges facing women involved in farming and small businesses. “I call upon all women to support Gen Salim Saleh. He understands our struggles in markets and farms. He has supported us, not with handouts but with skills,” she said.

The proposal has, however, generated mixed reactions in Iganga Municipality and the wider Busoga sub-region. Isabirye Moses, a boda boda rider at Iganga Main Stage, described Gen. Saleh as approachable and said he had personally seen him engage with ordinary people. “We have met Gen Saleh in Kapeeka. He listens to poor youth. Unlike other generals, he talks about money in our pockets. If he stands, we shall support him,” Isabirye said.

Namulondo Grace, a fish monger in Iganga Central Market, said women should be given an opportunity to consider the proposal. “Tibikoma Amina is right. Women need someone who understands village SACCOs and PDM. Saleh has been helping women groups quietly. Let him try,” she said.

But some residents questioned whether Gen. Saleh himself is interested in seeking the presidency. Hajati Fatuma, a teacher in Iganga, said the public should first hear directly from him. “We need to hear Gen Saleh himself. Does he want to be president? Last time he said he is not interested in politics, he wants to do wealth creation. Let’s not drag him into politics if he does not want,” she said.

An NRM Youth League leader in Iganga, who requested anonymity, said the proposal could complicate an already emerging succession debate. “We respect Salim Saleh, but we already have Gen Muhoozi who is popular with youth. Why divide us? We should wait for guidance from State House,” the leader said.

Meanwhile, some opposition-leaning youth rejected the proposal altogether, arguing that Uganda should consider candidates beyond the current political establishment. Musa Balunywa, a youth activist, said: “Saleh and Muhoozi and Museveni are the same family. Youth Umbrella should ask for new blood, not recycling. But we respect their right to ask.” A church leader who attended the Iganga meeting as an observer urged all sides to ensure that any future political transition remains peaceful and constitutional. “What matters is peace. If Gen Saleh can unite the country, if Gen Muhoozi stays as CDF to guarantee security, and if Mzee Museveni advises, that is a peaceful transition model. But it must be constitutional,” the church leader said.

Countrywide consultations planned

The Uganda Youth Umbrella said it plans to begin countrywide consultations in Busoga before extending the initiative to Buganda, Northern and Western Uganda. According to the group, the consultations will seek signatures from young people and other citizens in support of a petition asking Gen. Saleh to consider accepting the call to contest for the presidency in 2031.

The group said the initiative is not intended to oppose other potential candidates but is aimed at promoting what its leaders described as a generational transition based on experience in security, wealth creation and youth empowerment.

Uganda's Constitution provides for presidential elections and a five-year presidential term, with the Electoral Commission responsible for organising and supervising elections.

Gen. Salim Saleh has not publicly responded to the latest call from the Uganda Youth Umbrella to contest for president in 2031.