50 NUP Supporters Join Muhoozi-Linked Patriotic League of Uganda
At least 50 supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have crossed over to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic organization headed by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The development was confirmed on Thursday during a function led by PLU’s Director of Mobilisation, Michael Mawanda.
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The new members, reportedly organized by Rashid Ssegugya, an ex-convict who was recently pardoned by President Yoweri Museveni, pledged allegiance to PLU, signalling a significant shift in political allegiance. Ssegugya’s recruitment into PLU follows his pardon and subsequent engagement with the organisation.
In his remarks, Mawanda welcomed the new converts but cautioned them against indiscipline. He underscored the importance of respect among members, urging them to maintain civility in their interactions.
“You need to respect each other. Give respect to everybody, and then you’ll be seen as a special person,” Mawanda stated.
He further clarified that PLU is not a political party but a non-partisan civic organisation that welcomes individuals from across the political spectrum. He encouraged the new members to become ambassadors of the league and bring more people on board.
“Go back and tell your colleagues that our doors are open, and our chairman said that we support Museveni in the forthcoming elections as we give him a farewell before we take power in 2030,” Mawanda said.
Mawanda also hinted at the league’s long-term political ambitions, claiming that PLU intends to “take over from NRM” and rule for 50 years, potentially extending the Museveni family’s influence to a century.
“You don’t want to be in opposition for 100 years. After NRM, PLU will be here, and it will go up to 50 years also. You can’t be in opposition for a lifetime,” Mawanda added.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has previously expressed interest in leading Uganda after his father, has faced criticism over his political aspirations.
However, in a recent statement, he announced that he would not run for president in the forthcoming elections, instead urging PLU supporters to back President Museveni.
Mawanda concluded his address by contrasting PLU with the opposition, claiming that the new recruits had joined “a place where eating is happening.” He alleged that the opposition only offered “droplets from the tables of those eating.”
“We are in a place where eating is happening, unlike where you have been,” Mawanda told the recruits.
This move comes amid ongoing debates about Uganda’s political future and Muhoozi’s potential role in it. With the 2026 elections approaching, political realignments such as these are expected to continue shaping the national conversation.
