Africa: All of Africa Today - August 28, 2026

President Yoweri Museveni's son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced his intent to run for the Ugandan presidency in 2031. The 52-year-old general, who leads the Patriotic League of Uganda, has expressed his presidential ambitions previously. Kainerugaba had initially planned to contest in 2026 but later dropped out of the race.

His decision comes amidst ongoing questions about Museveni's political future. In Nigeria, kidnappers amassed nearly $6 million in ransom from 1,411 kidnapping incidents between July 2025 and June 2026. Boko Haram accounted for over 90% of the ransom, collecting approximately N7.78 billion from just eight incidents. Zambia opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who finished second in the recent presidential election, has been taken into police custody and questioned alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu.

The police accused them of national security offenses and links to activities threatening the state. Kenyan President William Ruto affirmed the right of citizens to criticize the government, express dissent, and participate in peaceful demonstrations. He acknowledged allegations of unlawful arrests, disappearances, and excessive force, calling for independent investigations and accountability.

Zambian Vice-President Saulos Chilima's plane crash in 2024 remains a mystery as a former weather station chief testified that the aircraft could have safely landed under the recorded weather conditions. Malawian investigators attributed the crash to adverse weather, but Chavunguma's testimony questions this claim. Malian music icon Salif Keïta canceled his performance at South Africa's Macufe festival due to xenophobic violence against African migrants.

Over 160,000 people repatriated voluntarily since May, and further nationwide protests are planned for September 30 by anti-migrant groups.