KAMPALA — The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has no plans to register as a political party and will remain a civic organization operating strictly within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda announced on Sunday.
Mwenda, a senior PLU figure, stated he was authorized by the group’s chairman and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to set the record straight following widespread political speculation.
“I have been instructed by the chairman of PLU @mkainerugaba to inform the public that we do not intend to become a political party. We shall remain a civic organization, pressure group, and social movement within the NRM, and we shall achieve all our goals within the NRM,” Mwenda posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The statement comes amid intense public debate surrounding PLU’s growing political footprint. Evolving from the former MK Movement, PLU has established a structured leadership hierarchy, assigned internal ranks, and drawn significant support from cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.
Recently, the group ramped up nationwide mobilization, launching a signature collection drive aimed at endorsing Gen. Muhoozi for the 2031 presidential race. Reports have also circulated suggesting President Yoweri Museveni supports his son’s future political ambitions, though formal confirmation remains sparse.
Mwenda’s declaration directly addresses anxieties that PLU might morph into a rival political vehicle or field independent candidates against NRM flagbearers. Previous statements by PLU leaders have similarly emphasized loyalty to the ruling party, urging members not to challenge official NRM candidates.
Officially, PLU frames its mission around advancing patriotism, good governance, and socio-economic transformation—including backing the government’s ambitious target to grow Uganda’s GDP to $500 billion by 2031. Supporters view the movement as a crucial vehicle for internal party renewal, while critics argue its parallel structures and the involvement of active military officers blur constitutional lines regarding armed forces in active politics.
Mwenda’s clarification brings temporary relief to party loyalists concerned about internal fragmentation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. However, as the line between traditional NRM structures and Gen. Muhoozi’s expanding network continues to shift, political observers view this latest assurance as a strategic maneuver to manage the delicate ongoing power dynamic and succession debate within the ruling establishment.
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