The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has issued a warning to National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters against attempting to sabotage its activities. This warning comes as the pressure group intensifies its mobilisation efforts for the 2031 presidential bid of its chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The warning was delivered by Jimmy Lwanga, the former Njeru Municipality MP and PLU coordinator for Greater Mukono.
Lwanga, speaking on behalf of PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla, stated that attempts to frustrate PLU activities would be unsuccessful. He used a local expression to convey that those seeking to interfere with the organisation would "fall on a leopard that has a cub." Lwanga also called on NRM supporters to embrace Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions, emphasising that PLU operates within the broader NRM political framework.
The PLU has described its current nationwide activity as an endorsement and mobilisation exercise for Kainerugaba ahead of the 2031 presidential election. The organisation has been distributing endorsement books through its structures across the country. At a recent event in Mukono Municipality, Lwanga praised President Yoweri Museveni for providing direction to the country and nurturing a younger generation of leaders.
PLU leaders have spent considerable time examining factors that they believe are weakening the NRM in different parts of the country, particularly in Buganda. They cite internal conflicts, treachery, and a lack of seriousness as key issues. Mukono District PLU coordinator Madinah Katushabe stated that the organisation has no conflict with the NRM and will pursue a transparent approach.
The event in Mukono also saw strong endorsements for Kainerugaba from various individuals, including former State Minister for Water Ronald Kibuule. Kibuule described Kainerugaba as a leader who has been prepared for national responsibility and predicted a peaceful transfer of power from President Museveni.
The registration books being used by PLU resemble the traditional NRM yellow books, providing a familiar organisational format for supporters. The Mukono exercise is part of a wider PLU campaign launched earlier this month to collect endorsements for Kainerugaba's 2031 presidential bid. The organisation has since rolled out the exercise among different groups and regions.
PLU leaders at the Mukono event repeatedly emphasised that their activities are intended to reinforce rather than divide the NRM. The event highlighted the increasingly close relationship between PLU's mobilisation structures and sections of the NRM, with speakers presenting support for Kainerugaba as part of a continuation of the political project associated with President Museveni.
Key points
- The PLU has warned NRM supporters against sabotaging its activities as it mobilizes for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's 2031 presidential bid.
- The organisation has been distributing endorsement books across the country to collect support for Kainerugaba.
- Various leaders, including former State Minister for Water Ronald Kibuule, have endorsed Kainerugaba's presidential ambitions.
