Tensions are mounting in Parliament ahead of a planned protest by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group whose chairman is Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over what they term as an unjustified attack on his reputation.
The demonstration, scheduled for February 10, 2025, is set to march to Parliament to petition Speaker Anita Among, raising concerns about security and possible disruptions to parliamentary proceedings.
Sources say parliament is grappling with the idea of how to deal with the PLU considering the profile of its chairman.
The PLU, in a press release, expressed displeasure over how some members of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs handled an interface with the Ministry of Defense on January 16, 2025. The committee reportedly insisted on the physical presence of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), demanding an explanation of how he manages his X (formerly Twitter) account, rather than focusing on the scheduled discussion of the National Budget Framework Paper.
“Instead of engaging on budgetary matters, the committee chose to divert the discussion, sidelining the defense ministry’s delegation and demanding the personal appearance of the CDF,” the PLU statement read.
Security Concerns Over Protest
The PLU has vowed to march peacefully and in an orderly manner from its secretariat to Parliament, but security agencies remain on high alert to prevent potential disruptions. The group has also warned against “bad elements” infiltrating the march to cause chaos, further fueling concerns within Parliament.
Some MPs, particularly those in the Defense Committee, have dismissed PLU’s claims, maintaining that their actions were within their parliamentary oversight mandate. However, supporters of Gen. Muhoozi argue that the summons were politically motivated, aimed at undermining his growing influence.
Muhoozi Factor in Ugandan Politics
Gen. Muhoozi, who also doubles as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s military landscape, with his supporters positioning him as a key player in the country’s future leadership. His frequent use of social media has often sparked debate, with critics questioning whether his posts reflect personal opinions or official military policy.
Political analysts believe that the PLU protest is not just about defending Muhoozi but also a show of his support base and influence among Uganda’s young population as the country gears up for the 2026 elections.
