KAMPALA — The Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially assigned Patriotic Officer (PO) numbers to 118 high-profile Ugandans, formally integrating city tycoons and veteran politicians into the civic organization’s leadership numbering framework.
The announcement was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday, September 11, 2026, by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla.
Among the latest cohort of designated leaders:
– Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia: Assigned PO/198.
– Godfrey Kirumira Kalule: Assigned PO/199.
– Prof. Gilbert Bukenya (Former Vice President): Assigned PO/300.
Business Community & Political Heavyweights Join Ranks
The assignment of numbers to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia—chairman of the Ruparelia Group—and Godfrey Kirumira, chairman of the Kwagalana Group, follows their official visit to the PLU headquarters in Naguru on September 7. During the visit, the business leaders participated in the official launch of the PLU digital registration platform and website, where they signed endorsement registers backing Gen. Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential bid.
Former Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya was also assigned PO/300, joining other prominent state officials in the latest cohort including Ministers Amos Lugoloobi, Musa Ecweru, Sarah Nakawuki, and Faith Mercy Lakisa.
A History of High-Level Praise and Partnership
The latest formalization builds on a long-standing relationship between the CDF and Kampala’s business elite. Gen. Muhoozi has frequently commended both Sudhir and Kirumira for their contributions to national development, philanthropy, and public mobilization.
Earlier this year, Gen. Muhoozi heaped praise on the two business moguls for their staunch backing of his 52nd birthday “Run for Hope” charity drive at Kololo Independence Grounds. During the mobilization drive, Dr. Sudhir contributed UGX 100 million toward the cause—which targeted vulnerable children and orphans—a gesture that earned public commendation from the PLU chairman.
Most recently, Gen. Muhoozi lauded the pair for personally attending the launch of the PLU digital member registration portal and Patriotic Officer ID issuance system, describing their participation as a major vote of confidence from the private sector in the country’s economic stability and patriotic movement.
Understanding the PLU Numbering System
According to PLU leadership, the designation of Patriotic Officer (PO) numbers is modeled after the historical numbering system used during the 1981–1986 National Resistance Army (NRA) struggle.
The system serves to document seniority, loyalty, and active contribution toward mobilization and organizational growth. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba holds PO/001, while earlier designations have been awarded to key political and business figures including Andrew Mwenda (PO/002), Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth (PO/059), and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (PO/060).
Speaking on the latest additions, Secretary General Twalla emphasized that the assignment of PO numbers is an ongoing recognition of individuals demonstrating visible commitment to the principles of patriotism, national unity, and socioeconomic transformation.
The post Gen. Muhoozi Assigns Patriotic Officer Numbers to Tycoons Sudhir, Kirumira, and Ex-VP Prof. Gilbert Bukenya as PLU Expands Ranks appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.