Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has thanked businessman Sudhir Ruparelia for endorsing his anticipated bid for the Ugandan presidency in 2031.
Gen Muhoozi, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), expressed his appreciation in a message posted on X following Mr Ruparelia’s declaration of support.
“I thank my big brothers Kirumira and Sudhir. Thank you for the love you have always shown me. I will not forget it,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Mr Ruparelia, the chairman of the Ruparelia Group, is among prominent business figures to publicly associate themselves with Gen Muhoozi’s political ambitions ahead of the 2031 elections.
The endorsement has added to growing public attention around the general’s expected presidential bid, which has increasingly featured in political discussions and activities associated with PLU.
The PLU administration welcomed the endorsement, describing it as an indication of confidence in Gen Muhoozi’s leadership and political agenda.
“Thank you Mr Sudhir Ruparelia for joining our cause and endorsing Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the next President of Uganda,” the movement said.
Mr Ruparelia’s support comes against the backdrop of his longstanding public relationship with Gen Muhoozi and his involvement in activities associated with the general.
Earlier this year, the Ruparelia Foundation contributed Shs100 million towards Gen Muhoozi’s Run for Hope campaign. Mr Ruparelia also took part in the charity run at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds alongside other participants and public figures.
The businessman and Gen Muhoozi have also appeared together at various public functions, while facilities belonging to the Ruparelia Group have hosted government and other national events.
Their relationship has also extended to the personal sphere, with Gen Muhoozi having been a friend of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, Mr Ruparelia’s son, who died in a road crash in May 2025.
Mr Ruparelia’s endorsement comes as PLU continues activities aimed at building support for Gen Muhoozi ahead of the 2031 elections.
The movement has announced plans to mobilise support across the country, including a campaign to collect endorsements and signatures in support of Gen Muhoozi’s anticipated presidential candidature.
The latest endorsement is therefore likely to add to the growing political debate surrounding the general’s ambitions and the role of influential individuals and groups in the 2031 succession debate.