By Spy Uganda
Over his nearly four decades in power, President Yoweri Museveni has faced numerous political challengers — but none more intriguing than those who once served under him in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Several former high-ranking officers, once loyal to Museveni’s leadership, have crossed into the political arena to contest for the presidency, aiming to offer Uganda an alternative path.
Here is a look at some of the most notable retired UPDF officers who have taken on their former commander-in-chief:
1. Dr. Kizza Besigye
A former UPDF colonel and once President Museveni’s personal physician, Dr. Kizza Besigye is widely regarded as Museveni’s most formidable opponent to date. After transitioning into politics, Besigye became a founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and contested the presidency four times — in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016. His bids consistently drew significant support, making him Museveni’s strongest challenger.
In 2024, Besigye was detained on charges of treachery and illegal possession of firearms, sparking international criticism and raising concerns about his health and the fairness of his trial. He remains in remand at Luzira Prison, maintaining his position as a central figure in Uganda’s opposition movement.
2. Gen. Henry Tumukunde
A former Chief of Military Intelligence and Minister of National Security, Gen. Henry Tumukunde declared his presidential candidacy for the 2021 elections as an independent. Tumukunde cited the urgent need for a peaceful political transition. Shortly after announcing his bid, he was arrested on accusations of treason but later emerged as a vocal critic of human rights abuses, aligning with other opposition leaders to highlight issues such as police brutality.
3. Gen. Mugisha Muntu
Having served as Commander of the UPDF from 1989 to 1998, Gen. Mugisha Muntu transitioned into politics, first as president of the FDC and later as founder of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) in 2019. He contested the 2021 presidential election, promoting a platform based on integrity, institutional reform, and the rebuilding of public trust in government structures.
4. Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro (Deceased)
The late Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro also brought his military experience into the political sphere. He ran for president in the 2016 elections under the Farmers Party of Uganda, campaigning heavily on agricultural development and economic empowerment. Biraaro’s political career was cut short when he succumbed to colon cancer in 2020.
While all four of these figures brought military discipline and national service credentials to their political pursuits, it is Dr. Kizza Besigye who has come closest to unseating President Museveni. His resilience and enduring popularity have cemented his legacy as the most significant challenger Museveni has faced in his 40-year rule.
As Uganda moves forward, the impact of these former military officers — who once served the state in uniform and later sought to shape it from the ballot box — continues to echo across the country’s political landscape.
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