By KT Reporter
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) is set to resume political and civic activities across the country such as establishment of leadership structures under the direction of its chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba who is also the Chief of Defense Forces.
This was announced by the Secretary General David Kabanda, while addressing the media at PLU headquarters in Kampala. Kabanda who is also the Kasambya County MP said the league which is now a pressure group will begin by establishing leadership structures at every level of society from the village to the district to ensure coordinated mobilization for President Yoweri Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He noted that leadership appointments will be completed within two weeks, with eight leaders designated per level in all regions and sub-regions. He noted that some reasons especially Bunyoro, Ankole, Greater Masaka and Busoga lack proper leadership and they are the ones they are set to begin with.
Kabanda said the league aims to deliver at least 80 percent of the national vote for President Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer. Some supporters, Kabanda added, have proposed an even higher target of 82 percent to match the President’s age. Museveni is currently 81 year old and will be seeking another term of office to extend his presidency beyond 40 years.
The PLU had stopped political activities early in 2024 after it’s Chairman General Kainerugaba was appointed the Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces, an office that bars him from engaging in partisan politics.
Kabanda emphasized that the PLU is a non-partisan civic organization that engages citizens across the political spectrum, including members of opposition parties and independents. He reiterated that the league is inclusive and not limited to NRM members, citing involvement from individuals in the Democratic Party (DP) and NUP. He clarified that the PLU’s non-partisan status means that its activities do not violate the UPDF Act, which prohibits serving officers from engaging in Partisan politics.
“There is a misunderstanding around this law,” he said. “The Act does not prohibit all political activity, it prohibits partisan political involvement. PLU, as a civic and patriotic organization, operates within the law.” He added that the league’s next activities will focus on youth and women engagement, outreach to religious and cultural institutions, and community mobilization. Kabanda echoed President Museveni’s own concerns that political actors are not doing enough to involve young people, and promised that the PLU will prioritize youth inclusion in its programs.
Kabanda separately told Uganda Radio Network about plans for the PLU to hold a meeting during which members will officially endorse President Museveni as their preferred presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. He promised that this would showcase the league’s unique approach to civic mobilization and political participation. He also said that the PLU is studying past electoral processes to inform future strategies, particularly regarding transparency and fairness in national and internal elections. According to Kabanda, the league has drawn lessons from both peaceful and contested NRM primaries in order to recommend improvements to national voting procedures.
Kabanda dismissed suggestions that the PLU is attempting to dominate the NRM or control its internal processes. Instead, he described the league’s growing presence in party structures and local government as part of a broader effort to strengthen Uganda’s political foundation and prepare for a smooth leadership transition.
“The Patriotic League of Uganda is not in competition with any political party. We are working in unity for the future of this country,” Kabanda said.
According to Kabanda, the Chairman of the League, General Muhoozi, is the sole authority responsible for making appointments and providing strategic guidance. While he could not confirm which specific activities General Muhoozi will attend personally, Kabanda affirmed that the chairman remains fully engaged in directing the league’s operations.
The PLU says it remains committed to peaceful, inclusive, and lawful political engagement, and intends to play a central role in Uganda’s electoral process without discrimination or partisanship.
Accompanied by Igara East MP Michael Mawanda who is the Director for Mobilization in PLU, Kabanda has congratulated PLU members who participated in the recently concluded NRM primaries, stating that the league achieved a 75 percent success rate. He also said PLU members now hold a significant presence in the NRM’s Central Executive Committee, with about 60 percent of seats occupied by individuals affiliated with the league. He says this success was not the result of competition with the NRM, but rather collaboration.
“We are not taking over the NRM but are working with it,” said Kabanda “PLU is complementing the NRM’s efforts, especially where there is dissatisfaction among members due to outcomes of the primaries or vetting processes. We are engaging even those from other parties like the National Unity Platform, Democratic Party and PPF.”
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) evolved from the MK Movement, which started as a group organizing birthday parties for Gen Kainerugaba. On February 7, 2024, the MK Movement was officially rebranded as the PLU.
The launch event at Plot 7 Saddlerway, Naguru, Kampala, drew thousands, notably near Kampala Parents Primary School, Muhoozi’s alma mater. The PLU mainly comprises supporters of Muhoozi’s potential presidential bid.
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