The Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced plans for a reshuffle in the organisation’s leadership.
While he did not provide specific details, Muhoozi stated that the changes will affect the PLU's central committee and the organization as a whole.
"In the next few days I will announce changes in the Central Committee of PLU, and throughout the organisation. By virtue of being the founder, chairman and author of that organisation." Gen Muhoozi stated on X (formerly Twitter).
PLU, was officially launched in February of last year, marking a rebrand from the MK Movement, a pressure group that had been rallying support for the First Son's presidential ambitions.
Over the past year, the League has established its structures, appointing its leaders across all regions of the country.
It should be remembered that last year, Muhoozi clarified that PLU was intended to be a civic organization and not a political organization, although its supporters continued to publicly back his "presidential candidacy".
However, following his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces in September of last year, Gen Muhoozi, who had previously expressed his presidential ambitions, reversed his stance, leaving PLU supporters in a limbo.
Muhoozi announced that he would not be a candidate for the presidency in 2026 and instead urged PLU supporters to back the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which is led by his father, President Museveni.
“I want to make it clear that I will not be on the ballot in 2026,” General Muhoozi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He further stated that the NRM was the political organization that aligned most closely with the values of the PLU, and encouraged members of the organization who wish to run for Parliament to join the ruling party.
"PLU members who want to run for Parliament, nothing is stopping you. PLU is a civic organization, not a political party. You are absolutely free to contest. However, I advise you to subscribe to NRM. That’s the political party that best aligns with our values,” Muhoozi said last year.
However, his pronouncement has since sparked mixed reactions among his supporters and political analysts as the country approaches the 2026 elections.
Some political analysts suggest that his recent directive to his PLU members signals a strategic takeover of the NRM (National Resistance Movement) from the old guard.
“This isn’t a departure for PLU; it’s Muhoozi asserting control over the NRM,” one insider said.
“His call for PLU members to join the NRM as primaries approach is no coincidence. Those like the Otafires, who have opposed him, should prepare to be sidelined. The PLU is set to fundamentally reshape the party.”