The communication concludes with a call for unity and discipline, noting that the directive is intended to ensure “harmonious mobilization during the campaign process.”
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has issued a stern directive ordering all its coordinators across the country to immediately withdraw from contesting as independent candidates in the forthcoming elections, directing them instead to support candidates officially endorsed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In a communiqué dated October 28, 2025, signed by Mr. Michael Nuwagira Kaguta, popularly known as Toyota, who serves as the National Vice Chairman of PLU, the organization warned that continued defiance of this directive would attract disciplinary action, including removal from their coordination roles.
“It has come to my attention that some of our coordinators were duly nominated as independents to stand in various positions against NRM flag bearers. This is unacceptable as it is our duty as PLU mobilizers to support all NRM flag bearers in our respective jurisdictions,” Toyota stated in the circular.
The directive further clarified that coordinators who insist on remaining in the political race as independents must resign from their PLU roles immediately, emphasizing that the movement’s core mission is to strengthen President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s political base through unity within the ruling establishment.
“You are hereby advised to either withdraw your candidature from the race or step down from your role as PLU coordinator in your assigned area. In the event that either option cannot be complied with, we urge you to maintain your position as PLU members and supporters only,” Toyota added.
The Patriotic League of Uganda, a mass mobilization outfit championed by first son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has over the past year gained momentum as a grassroots structure complementing the NRM’s political and ideological work across the country.
The League has positioned itself as a civic mobilization platform committed to defending the gains of the NRM government and promoting the continuity of its leadership.
However, with the 2026 general elections approaching, internal cracks have begun to emerge as several PLU coordinators, many of whom command significant local influence, opted to contest independently after failing to secure NRM tickets during the party primaries.
Political analysts say the new directive is aimed at restoring cohesion and preventing parallel campaigns that could split votes in favour of opposition candidates.
“This is a crucial move to manage internal contradictions,” said a political observer in Kampala. “PLU has been acting as a reinforcement to the NRM’s mobilization arm, and having its members competing against NRM flag bearers would have undermined that relationship.”
Some coordinators, especially in Eastern and Northern Uganda, are reportedly displeased with the directive, arguing that it disregards their political ambitions and grassroots strength.
Others have, however, welcomed the decision, saying it reflects discipline and loyalty to the broader cause of national stability.
The communiqué concludes with a call for unity and discipline, noting that the directive is intended to ensure “harmonious mobilization during the campaign process.”
