The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has initiated mobilisation efforts in Pader District to garner support for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's potential presidential bid in 2031. A meeting was held at the Pader District Headquarters Health Boardroom, bringing together PLU leaders, security sector leaders, and other political leaders. The event aimed to unite local leaders and encourage voluntary registration.
According to Mugisha Ocer Anywar, the PLU District Vice Chairperson, the organisation is a civil society group rather than a political party. He described PLU as a sister organisation to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Anywar urged people affiliated with different political parties to join and work with NRM structures without treating each other as competitors.
The PLU has set a regional membership target of over one million people, with plans to issue Patriotic Cadre (PC) numbers to sub-county coordinators and Patriotic Officer (PO) numbers at the national level. The immediate focus is on registration and mobilisation, rather than the official launch of PLU in Pader. Justine Ocen, PLU Publicity Secretary, stated that the official launch would attract high-profile dignitaries, including ministers and Members of Parliament.
PLU member Vicky Norah Odong emphasised the importance of accountability among members, cautioning against making unfulfilled promises. Sheikh Ismail Odongkara, the PLU coordinator for Pajule Town Council, called for the orientation of newly appointed coordinators on their roles and responsibilities.
However, the mobilisation meeting raised questions about PLU's relationship with the NRM. Pader District Chairperson Alfred Akena questioned the organisation's structure, suggesting it appeared to be a rebirth of the NRM. Akena urged PLU leaders to focus on uniting people around development rather than deepening political divisions.
Akena also expressed concerns about excluding individuals associated with different political camps. He stated that MP CD Lowila Oketayot and Ottober Wellborn Odiya, both ex-officio members and resource mobilisers, should be allowed to contribute to the organisation.
The Pader mobilisation effort is part of PLU's broader strategy to build grassroots support for Kainerugaba ahead of the 2031 presidential election. The organisation's efforts have been met with mixed reactions, with some leaders welcoming the initiative and others expressing concerns about its potential impact on the region.
Key points
- The Patriotic League of Uganda aims to register over one million members in the region.
- PLU leaders stress that membership is voluntary and not affiliated with any political party.
- The organisation's relationship with the NRM has raised questions among local leaders.
