The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has said more than 15 ministers and over 200 Members of Parliament have pledged allegiance to the organisation as it works to deepen its influence within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The declaration came during the handover ceremony for the office of PLU secretary general at the organisation’s headquarters in Kampala.
Tingey County MP Fadil Twalla officially assumed the role of PLU secretary general from Kasambya County MP David Kabanda. Mr Kabanda did not attend the ceremony.
Organisers said he was away attending a youth conference abroad.
PLU chairperson Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba also missed the event. He was represented by PLU vice chairman Michael Nuwagira.
Speaker urges PLU to work with NRM
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth attended the event as chief guest. He described the leadership change as an important moment for the organisation and Uganda’s political direction.
“We are here to witness a transition, a transfer of responsibility that carries the full weight of the PLU movement’s future and indeed the future of Uganda,” he said.
Mr Oboth-Oboth urged Mr Twalla to ensure PLU maintains close cooperation with the NRM government.
He said several PLU leaders also hold positions in the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee.
“The survival of PLU depends on absolute cohesion. You are here to support the NRM government and not to undermine it,” he said.
Twalla pledges to strengthen PLU structures
In his acceptance speech, Mr Twalla promised to strengthen PLU structures from village level to the national leadership.
He also said the organisation would make the fight against corruption a priority.
“Corruption remains the greatest threat to Uganda’s development. Every shilling stolen from government is a school not built, a hospital not equipped and a job opportunity denied to our young people,” he said.
Mr Twalla said PLU would support accountability efforts in government institutions, local governments and public agencies.
Nuwagira praises Kabanda’s role
Speaking on behalf of Gen Muhoozi, Mr Nuwagira said Mr Twalla had been selected because of his commitment to the organisation.
He expressed confidence that the new secretary general would help strengthen PLU’s structures and mobilisation.
Mr Nuwagira also praised Mr Kabanda for his contribution to the growth of the movement.
The handover comes as PLU continues to position itself as a major political force operating within the broader NRM space.