Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant–Press and Mobilisation, has defended the Patriotic League of Uganda's (PLU) registration and endorsement drive. He described it as an innovative approach to measuring public support. Kirunda, a member of PLU with Patriotic Officer number 132, said the exercise aims to register and mobilize members using their national identification details and contact information. The goal is to attract more members than the number of registered voters who participated in the 2026 elections.
Kirunda likened the initiative to an opinion poll but argued that it relies on identifiable individuals rather than randomly selected respondents. He said some political groups had previously claimed electoral victories based on opinion polls involving people who were neither party members nor registered voters. Kirunda emphasized that PLU's registration and endorsement drive offers a different way of gauging political support. This approach, he believes, is a smart method that no existing organization has attempted before.
The PLU membership drive comes amid political mobilization following the 2026 general elections. Political organizations are seeking to expand their membership and demonstrate their support base. Kirunda's comments come as the country discusses political succession within the ruling establishment and the future leadership. The PLU, associated with Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been involved in mobilization activities aimed at expanding its membership and building a national support base.
Kirunda also sought to clarify Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's position regarding his reported presidential ambitions. He said the general had indicated that his bid would come after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, rather than challenging the incumbent for the presidency. Kirunda emphasized that Muhoozi's remarks had been misunderstood by some people, while others were deliberately misrepresenting them to create tension and uncertainty in the country's political discourse.
According to Kirunda, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has stated that his presidential bid is after Museveni's term, not challenging him for the seat. Kirunda added that the interpretation of Muhoozi's position had generated unnecessary anxiety and friction in Uganda's public space. The clarification comes amid public discussion about political succession and the future leadership of the country.
The PLU's registration and endorsement drive has sparked interest in the country's political landscape. As a member of PLU, Kirunda's defense of the initiative highlights the league's efforts to expand its membership and demonstrate its support base. The exercise aims to register and mobilize members using their national identification details and contact information.
The development highlights the ongoing political mobilization in Uganda. As the country navigates its political future, various stakeholders continue to position themselves for potential leadership roles. Key points include:
Key points
- Alhaji Kirunda defends PLU's registration drive as an innovative approach to gauge public support.
- Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's presidential bid is after Museveni's term, not challenging him for the seat.
- The PLU membership drive aims to attract more members than the number of registered voters who participated in the 2026 elections.
