Patriotic League of Uganda’s Protest Against Corruption Sparks Debate

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) staged a protest on Monday, calling out corruption in Parliament, accusing some lawmakers of failing in their roles.

However, the demonstration quickly drew criticism for appearing to focus more on defending PLU National Coordinator, Commander of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, rather than addressing corruption itself.

While the PLU protest was rooted in a cause that aligns with national interests, critics have questioned the composition of its members, some of whom have ongoing legal battles.

“The sword with bloodstains of corruption has to be cleaned,” one critic noted.

According to the PLU high command, the protest was a bold stand against corruption in Parliament, signaling the urgent need for action.

“As a member of Parliament, what is your responsibility? Legislation, appropriation, and budgeting. When you waste time concentrating on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Yoweri Museveni, to us, that is corruption,” PLU Secretary General David Kabanda stated.

The demonstration, which drew support from both PLU members and boda boda riders, highlighted growing public frustration over the graft plaguing Uganda.

However, it also raised questions about whether such protests can truly deter corruption or if they are political events designed to foster solidarity.

Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, one of the accused legislators, dismissed the protest as politically motivated.

“It is unfortunate that those leading the demonstration are my colleagues—Members of Parliament. They want to hold me at ransom for no reason.”

According to Transparency International’s latest report, Uganda continues to rank poorly in governance and anti-corruption efforts, with key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure suffering from the misuse of public funds.

Unlike previous anti-corruption protests, which often faced heavy government crackdowns, Monday’s demonstration was treated differently, with security personnel at times guiding the protesters on where to pass.

A statement carried by the demonstrators read in part:

“Those who are attacking our chairman, and those who intend to do the same, the mass **Patriotic League of Uganda boss will vehemently deal with them accordingly.”

Protesters also carried placards with slogans such as:

“The Parliamentary Defence Committee is incompetent!!!”

This raised further concerns among critics, questioning whether the protest was a genuine anti-corruption march or a misguided political move.

While some analysts view the protest as a rallying call for reform, they argue that without a long-term strategy, such demonstrations may not yield tangible results.

“Protests are important, but they need to be accompanied by systemic efforts, such as strengthening anti-corruption institutions and ensuring accountability for those responsible,” said a critic who preferred anonymity.

Others pointed out that some politicians involved in the protest might have their own interests, raising doubts about whether the primary goal was truly anti-corruption or political positioning ahead of future elections.

Despite the controversy surrounding the demonstration, the PLU protest remains a significant moment in Uganda’s ongoing fight against corruption. Whether it will lead to real reform or fade as a political event remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the battle against corruption in Uganda is far from over, and for many, it is a fight they cannot afford to lose.