Patriotic League of Uganda faces internal leadership tensions

Internal tensions are escalating within Uganda’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) following public threats against Water and Environment Minister Kahinda Otafiire. Andrew Mwenda, the PLU communications director, stated that the organization has sufficient parliamentary support to influence the removal of Otafiire from the Cabinet and to challenge his political standing in Ruhinda County.

The dispute stems from friction between Otafiire and PLU chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces. The tension arose after Otafiire made parliamentary remarks regarding military officers using violence to settle political disagreements, which Kainerugaba interpreted as a personal attack. While Otafiire has defended his position and distanced himself from the PLU, the confrontation has led to calls for his removal from government.

In response to growing internal friction, Toyota Michael Kaguta has issued a call for discipline within the PLU. Kaguta urged members to cease personal attacks against fellow members and to prioritize the organization’s agenda over individual differences, emphasizing the need for unity and respect as the group expands its political mobilization efforts across the country.