Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced a new central committee for the Patriotic League of Uganda, placing senior government and parliamentary figures at the centre of the civic organisation’s leadership.
Muhoozi, who also serves as senior presidential advisor on special operations and chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda, announced the appointments on X.
The new team includes Parliament Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. Muhoozi described the two leaders as his “special envoys to Parliament”.
The appointments point to PLU’s deepening relationship with the ruling National Resistance Movement. They also place the organisation closer to Parliament, a key institution in national policy, public spending and accountability.
Muhoozi Says PLU Will Back Museveni’s Economic Agenda
Muhoozi said PLU’s partnership with the NRM aims to deliver practical results for Ugandans.
“Our members in the Cabinet and Parliament must follow the President’s instructions to return to the grassroots and effectively monitor government programmes,” he said.
He added that PLU would support President Yoweri Museveni’s target of growing Uganda’s economy to a $500b gross domestic product by 2031.
“Our task as PLU is to achieve President Museveni’s target of a $500b gross domestic product by 2031. I will supervise all government departments to achieve that goal,” Muhoozi said.
Tayebwa welcomed the appointment and thanked Muhoozi for the trust.
“Thank you, chairman, for the trust. Congratulations colleagues who have been appointed to the central committee. We are going to work hard and ensure the vision of our leader is fully realised,” Tayebwa said.
Kabanda Replaced as PLU General Secretary
In the reshuffle, Tingey County MP Fadil Twalla replaced Kasambya County MP David Kabanda as PLU general secretary.
Twalla has been serving as PLU co-ordinator for the Sebei subregion.
“I will work closely with him to achieve our objectives. I thank Kabanda for his three years of excellent service. He set the standard high for the position,” Muhoozi said.
Kabanda remains a member of the central committee. He thanked Muhoozi for appointing him as PLU’s pioneer general secretary.
“It has been a great honour to serve,” Kabanda posted on X.
In another message, Kabanda said commitment to PLU should not depend on official positions.
“We are not in PLU for positions. We are here because we believe in its values and objectives. Our chairman founded it without positions in mind. We will only retire when those values and objectives are fully achieved,” he said.
Twalla also pledged to strengthen PLU’s internal structures.
“I am humbled by this great opportunity bestowed upon me by my chairman to take up this new role as general secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda. I pledge to ensure unity, strengthen our organisation structures from top to bottom and ensure we have the strongest organisation,” he said.
Kiryowa Kiwanuka Replaces Frank Gashumba
Businessman Frank Gashumba, who had served as PLU vice-chairperson for the central region, was replaced by newly appointed Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
The new committee also includes trade minister Sanjay Tanna, who will represent the business community, and Kwame Ruyondo, who will represent National Resistance Army historicals.
Other new members are agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze, Uganda Media Centre executive director Alan Kasujja and Hussein Kashillingi.
Local government minister Balaam Barugahara, lawyer Edwin Karugire, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda and journalist Andrew Mwenda retained their positions.
“The rest will be announced soon,” Muhoozi said.
He also directed PLU vice-chairperson Michael Nuwagira, commonly known as Toyota, to organise the handover ceremony for the office of general secretary. Muhoozi instructed all PLU ministers and MPs to attend.
PLU’s Background
The Patriotic League of Uganda was formerly known as the MK Movement. It was officially launched in Kampala on February 7, 2024, to mobilise Ugandans around national unity, peace and stability.
The MK Movement had been formed in April 2022 by supporters who said they wanted to recognise Muhoozi’s military service and the contribution of his colleagues.
