The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has extended its endorsement drive for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's proposed 2031 presidential bid to Kisoro District. On the first day of the exercise, over 1,000 residents appended their signatures in support. The event, held at the Mayor's Garden in Kisoro Municipality, drew a large crowd of residents, local leaders, boda boda operators, and PLU supporters.
The Kisoro mobilisation is part of PLU's nationwide exercise to collect physical endorsements for Gen. Kainerugaba ahead of the 2031 presidential election. PLU has distributed endorsement books across the country through its structures. State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, attended the event, highlighting the importance of youth participation in leadership and national affairs.
Minister Ngabirano noted that the participation of residents demonstrated their will to take part in the endorsement process. She also emphasised that greater involvement of young people in leadership could create opportunities for them. PLU Kigezi Sub-region Coordinator, Hon. Nelson Shangabasheija, described Gen. Muhoozi as a potential leader who could take over the country's leadership when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni eventually leaves office.
Shangabasheija used a bus analogy to explain that national leadership requires a capable driver. He called on residents to support Gen. Muhoozi's proposed 2031 candidature. Capt. Arthur Mugisha Rucakatsi, a PLU coordinator and patron of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Association, also described Gen. Muhoozi as a "generational leader" and urged residents to participate in the PLU mobilisation exercise.
Following the endorsement exercise, Capt. Mugisha launched a boda boda safety and education support initiative. He announced plans to provide protective helmets to thousands of motorcycle riders in Kisoro, targeting up to 8,000 operators across the district. The initiative aims to encourage riders to prioritise their safety, protect passengers, and reduce risks associated with motorcycle transport.
Capt. Mugisha donated 200 helmets in the latest phase, with plans to continue donating helmets monthly until the target is reached. He had earlier donated 100 helmets to members of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Operators Association. Robert Karangara, chairman of the association, commended Mugisha for his continued support and urged boda boda operators to remain united and disciplined.
Capt. Mugisha also visited Seseme Girls Secondary School, where he pledged to meet the full school fees and education-related costs of Odeta Twizerimana, a Senior Three student living with a disability. The intervention has given the student renewed hope as she continues with her education. Odeta dreams of becoming a doctor and pledged to work hard at school to make the most of the opportunity.
Key points
- Over 1,000 people in Kisoro have endorsed Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's proposed 2031 presidential bid.
- Capt. Arthur Mugisha Rucakatsi launched a boda boda safety and education support initiative, targeting up to 8,000 motorcycle riders in Kisoro.
- The PLU endorsement exercise is part of a wider national mobilisation campaign for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's proposed 2031 presidential candidature.
