Muhoozi's PLU Kicks Off Signature Drive for 2031 Presidential Bid Amid Legal Questions

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political group associated with the ruling NRM party, has initiated a significant signature collection drive across all 146 districts of Uganda. The campaign aims to gather 20 million signatures in support of its chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for a presidential run in the 2031 General Election.

This move comes as opposition figures face legal challenges and political hurdles. However, the PLU’s open mobilization for Gen. Kainerugaba, who currently serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has ignited debate regarding the non-partisan nature of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) as stipulated by the Constitution.

Article 208(2) of the Constitution mandates the UPDF to be apolitical, national, patriotic, professional, and subordinate to civilian authority. Furthermore, Section 99 of the UPDF Act requires any active military officer wishing to contest for political office to first resign or retire from the armed forces.

PLU General Secretary Twala Fadil stated that official endorsement registers are being distributed widely, emphasizing the urgency of their goal. “We want 20 million signatures,” Fadil announced, underlining that the signature collection is the central strategy for their 2031 ambitions. He described PLU as a bridge connecting citizens to government programs and accelerating socio-economic progress.

To expedite their reach, PLU has revised its mobilization strategy from town-hall meetings to more frequent community barazas in districts. The organization also issued a warning against individuals attempting to solicit money from the public in the name of the signature drive, urging prompt reporting of such fraudulent activities to the Secretariat.

Official communication channels and an upcoming website will be used for verification of membership and organizational activities, according to PLU leadership.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)