BUSOGA FURIOUS OVER PLU’S PATRIOTIC OFFICERS NUMBERS

L - R Samuel Nabeeta PLU's Coordinator for Busoga Region,MP Daudi Kabanda the Head Office of the PLU Chairman,head of Mobilization Micheal Mawanda,Jinja District Woman MP Peace Tebyaze and former Minister and Buzaaya County MP Isaac Musumba at the launch of PLU membership registration and Endorsement of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for President 2031 at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja yesterday.

JINJA, Uganda — Tensions and internal friction surfaced in Busoga yesterday as regional leaders gathered at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja to launch the Muhoozi for President 2031 campaign.

The inaugural media conference, presided over by Hon. Daudi Kabanda, Head of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman’s office Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, drew over 150 subcounty chairpersons, 20 current and former Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, and religious leaders. The meeting was convened to roll out member registration and formally endorse Gen. Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential bid.

The Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda(PLU) and Chief of Defense Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been endorsed in Busoga for President 2031.He is expected to takeover from General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni whose term ends on May 11,2031

However, enthusiasm for the campaign was tempered by growing discontent among grassroots mobilization teams over the distribution of Patriotic Officer (PO) numbers. The designated numbers—which have evolved into high-status symbols and official marks of recognition within the movement—have sparked controversy among field operatives who feel overlooked despite driving mobilization efforts on the ground.

Discontent has intensified following a recent surge in PO number allocations under PLU General Secretary Hon. Twalla Fadil. Prior to his tenure, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama and recent Clevenard Honorary Award International award recipient Samuel Nabeeta were the sole holders of PO numbers in the region. Over the past three months, however, more than 10 additional figures have been granted the status, triggering debates over merit and representation.

Attendees also raised concerns regarding the group’s reluctance to formalize into an official political party, as well as the continued public absence of Gen. Muhoozi himself.

Presenting the region’s key demands, Samuel Nabeeta,the Regional Coordinator emphasized that Busoga is fully prepared to lead the country's political transition, contingent on regional inclusion in strategic planning both leading up to and following the 2031 election.

Despite the internal debates, regional PLU coordinators re-affirmed their commitment to Gen. Muhoozi's candidacy, pledging full support for a smooth transition from President Yoweri Museveni.

The day-long event was co-hosted by PLU Head of Mobilization Michael Mawanda(Mp Igara East), alongside MPs Martin Muzaale(Buzaaya), Peace Tebyaze(Jinja District Woman), and Bishop Sam Ekolo (Bunya East), as well as former MPs Martin Musumba and Jimmy Lwanga, who serves as the PLU Coordinator for Greater Mukono.