Magara Darious the managing editor of east African watch.net today talked to Michael Maranga Mawanda a Ugandan businessman, economist and politician. He is a serving member of parliament for Igara East (Bushenyi District) and a Director of Mobilisation of the Patriotic League of Uganda ( PLU). Hon Mawanda is currently the vice chairperson at Kampala International University. We restricted the Q and A interview to his role in PLU. Read the details below;
What is PLU about?
We are a civic organization that is championing patriotism in Uganda. Many if not all our youths in Uganda did not see President Amin and Obote regimes; they do not appreciate what peace means in a country like Uganda. We witnessed anarchy under President Amin and Obote regimes and we know how much it can impact on social economic development.
So what is PLU doing today?
We are telling Ugandans especially the youths and all people to love their country. Look at Americans, they love their country and many other people on the globe like America. We must make people love Uganda when we love it ourselves. This means we have to work and protect peace and unity which are key for social economic development. We also encourage our people to be hard working; youths must not be idle, money will come to you if you are creative and hardworking. Uganda is a good investment country with good weather and soils and good people lets work hard and build our country together.
How do we relate NRM with PLU?
NRM is a political party while PLU is a civic organization. We welcome all parties but off course support the NRM party. Recently I met some opposition leaders (MPs from the north) they signed memorandums to work with us(PLU) so that the NRM government can deliver social services to their people and constituents and the North.
We have also recently received some politicians who had left NRM party; they have agreed to work with PLU.
What message have you shared to the people of the north?
We have been working around charging their mind- set so that it is not only the northerners that must lead Uganda. All of us and other regions can lead, what is important is that the ruling NRM government has worked for the people of the North and pumped there a lot of money yet some elect opposition leaders. All we want is that they can appreciate government and develop their areas because the NRM government and PLU leaderships mean well to them and to all Ugandans and all regions of Uganda because we are one country and all of us are God’s people.
What are your achievements and future plans?
PLU has shared a message to Ugandans to love their country; we are doing this and will continue to do it. Patriotism is key for development in any country.
PLU has mobilized some Ugandans to work hard and work for development. We know our people must work hard to develop especially the un employed youths. The chairman of PLU is hard working and all of us must be hard working people.
PLU has established fair national structures with regional coordinators appointed by my chairman Gen Muhoozi. Cedric Babu leads central region, Hon Baram Barugahare leads western Uganda, Hon Lillian Aber leads in Northern Uganda and Hon Peter Ogwang.
- Other coordinators are Mr. Nshangabasheija Nelson_ Coordinator Kigezi
- Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi_Coordinator Acholi
- Owekitinisa Henry Basaliza, Coordinator Tooro Sub Region
- Hon. Jackson Atima, Coordinator Greater Arua
- Mr. Tabaro Didas Tumwesigye, Deputy Coordinator Ankole
- Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, Coordinator Rwenzori
- Mr. Kajojo Sam Arinaitwe, Deputy Coordinator Kigezi
- Mr. Katwiire Polly Karamuzi, Spokesperson Ankole
- Ms. Walemba Joyce Daphine, Women Representative Rwenzori
These leaders work with our grassroot leaders and are establishing other leadership structures in districts to make PLU reach and serve all Ugandans as we work alongside the NRM government and party.
So what are you doing about peaceful transition of power in Uganda?
We are also selling a message of peaceful transition of power in Uganda. We shall continue to share this message. So that when our beloved President Yoweri Museveni retires, we have in place a steady leadership force to lead Uganda.
Our future plans are to work for the people of Uganda mobilizing them to develop themselves. We are still drafting our main areas of focus, which are aimed at social -economic transformation of Uganda. We will be having programs aimed at fighting corruption, protection of the environment, youth development and employment among others.
What more about youth un empoyment?
PLU supports vocational education and cottage industry establishment. China, and India have used this to develop. With these educational and work approaches we can put all Ugandans in the money economy.
On PDM what have you done?
We are mobilizing Ugandans to support all government development programs because through such they will be economically empowered. PDM is a great government program we encourage Ugandans through this website- eastafricanwatch.net to grow economically.
What about Gen. Muhoozi controversial tweets?
The tweets have not been understood, but they will be explained soon. What I can say now is that Gen Muhoozi is a sober and good leader, he is a pan- Africanist, he means well for Uganda, East Africa and the African people.
Is Gen Muhoozi capable of leading Uganda?
Yes he has demonstrated this in his leadership in the army and in other areas where he has served Ugandans. He is well trained army officer who has sacrificed to work in the army and in government and he is capable which he has demonstrated. In the UPDF he has stopped wasting resources and he works towards zero tolerance to corruption.
He has also been mentored well by President Museveni who is a respected leader in Uganda and Africa. Gen Muhoozi is therefore a good successor to President Museveni.
Why do you love or like Gen Muhoozi?
He is hard working, well trained, a good leader and good- hearted man. We have a lot we can achieve with him or through him. I know many Ugandans are waiting for his good leadership skills.
Lastly, as MP will you be seeking another term of office?
Ohh yes, am in the kitchen cooking and I must also appear on the serving table. i mean i am busy working for PLU, NRM and as MP, I will be contesting again in 2026 and I am ready to work, again and again for our people of Igara East in Bushenyi district.
