Political tension is brewing as members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and devoted supporters of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba prepare to stage protests against what they call the “political attacks” by Members of Parliament (MPs).
The protest is set for February 10, 2025, with organizers calling on the public to show up in “big numbers” to defend their leader’s name and reputation.
The announcement was made by Daudi Kabanda, the Secretary-General of PLU, who expressed frustration over what he described as relentless attacks and defamatory statements made against Gen Muhoozi by some MPs.
“We shall not sit back as our Chairman General’s name is dragged through the mud by those playing cheap political games,” Kabanda said.
The protest, organized by PLU members, aims to counter what supporters claim is a smear campaign against Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a key figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
Kabanda accuses certain legislators of using their parliamentary platforms to undermine Muhoozi’s leadership and ambitions, which he insists are rooted in patriotism and national development.
“Chairman Muhoozi has always stood for unity and progress, but some MPs are determined to tarnish his image for their political gain,” Kabanda argued.
The protest will take place in Kampala, with the exact locations and march routes to be communicated closer to the date. According to organizers, the demonstration will be peaceful, and participants are being urged to observe law and order.
Kabanda reassured authorities and the public that the protest is intended to be a show of solidarity, not disruption. “We are exercising our constitutional right to assemble and express our grievances. We expect no violence, only unity and strength in numbers,” he said.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has long been viewed as a potential successor to his father.
However, his growing influence has not been without controversy, drawing criticism from both political opponents and some civil society groups.
With the protest date fast approaching, all eyes will be on the PLU and their ability to mobilize supporters without triggering further unrest.
It also remains to be seen whether they will be accorded teargas and arrests, or salutes. Government and security agencies have a notoriety of harassing any citizens that protest for or against anything.
Parliament and Muhoozi ran into each other’s crosshairs when the committee on defense summoned him to appear before it for reckless remarks against the country’s opposition leaders, Kizza Besigye and Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
On various occasions, the CDF has promised to behead them soon. Kizza Besigye has a running case in the military court martial.
