KAMPALA — Democratic Party president Norbert Mao has expressed solidarity with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), praising the organisation’s endorsement of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for president and signalling willingness for closer engagement between the two organisations.
Mr Mao, who is also Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, made the remarks in a letter dated September 7, 2026, addressed to PLU General Secretary Fadil Twalla.
Mr Mao was responding to an invitation to an event at the PLU headquarters in Kampala, where the organisation launched its website, introduced Patriotic Officers Identification Cards and unveiled endorsements of Gen Kainerugaba for president.
He said PLU had evolved through several stages, beginning with the MK Movement, followed by the MK Army, before becoming the Patriotic League of Uganda.
According to Mr Mao, the MK Movement reflected Gen Kainerugaba’s dissatisfaction with what he described as failures by the state to respond decisively to challenges facing the country.
Mr Mao said PLU had now become a rallying point for citizens seeking what he described as an effective government where politics does not interfere with delivery of services and results.
The DP leader also called for continued discussions between the two organisations.
“I look forward to more discussions between our two organizations as we strive to work in solidarity to build a better and stronger Uganda,” he said.
Political significance
Mr Mao’s message comes at a significant moment for PLU, which has increasingly positioned itself as a political mobilisation platform around Gen Kainerugaba.
The endorsement of Gen Kainerugaba by PLU places the organisation firmly within the debate over Uganda’s political succession and the leadership of the country beyond President Yoweri Museveni.
Gen Kainerugaba, the President’s son and UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, has for several years been at the centre of discussions about Uganda’s political future, although he has previously faced controversy over political statements and activities while serving in the military.
PLU emerged from the MK Movement and has since sought to build structures across the country. Its activities have included mobilisation drives, community engagements and the establishment of grassroots leadership structures.
Mr Mao’s support is politically significant because the Democratic Party is one of Uganda’s oldest political parties and has historically been part of the country’s opposition political landscape.
His letter, however, stops short of announcing a formal political alliance between DP and PLU. Instead, Mr Mao speaks of “more discussions” and working “in solidarity” to build a stronger Uganda.
The statement also comes as political parties and pressure groups position themselves ahead of Uganda’s evolving post-2026 political landscape.
For PLU, the endorsement of Gen Kainerugaba and the launch of its identification cards and website mark an effort to formalise its structures and strengthen its mobilisation machinery.
Mr Mao said he regarded the PLU developments as milestones and offered his blessing to the organisation’s activities. “As an elder I bless this occasion,” he said-NewSwift–URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
