Minister Namuganza Declares Herself PLU Founder, Throws Weight Behind Muhoozi Presidency Bid

By Barasa Richard Namutumba District | October 18, 2026

State Minister for Housing and Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza has declared herself a pioneer of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), pledging support for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a potential successor to President Yoweri Museveni.

Namuganza made the declaration on Sunday while presiding over the endorsement of PLU registration books at Namutumba District headquarters, where hundreds of supporters, youth leaders and National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres gathered.

The event formed part of PLU's grassroots mobilisation campaign in Busoga, as the movement seeks to expand its membership and strengthen its structures across the region.

Addressing the gathering, Namuganza said she and Minister Balaam Barugahara were among those who pioneered the movement, adding that the support Busoga has given Museveni over the past four decades should extend to the next generation of leadership.

“For over four decades, Busoga has supported President Museveni. Now, it is time to support the next generation of leadership. Gen. Muhoozi represents energy, discipline and love for Uganda. I and Minister Balaam pioneered PLU because we believe in that future,” Namuganza said.

Her remarks place her publicly among the movement's early supporters and underline her commitment to mobilising political support for Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of the President.

PLU, formerly known as the MK Movement, was rebranded in 2024. It promotes patriotism and mobilises supporters around Muhoozi, although its relationship with the ruling NRM continues to feature in discussions among political actors.

PLU seeks stronger grassroots structures

PLU's Busoga Sub-region Coordinator, Samu Nabeta, said Namuganza would receive special recognition in the movement's register because of her claimed pioneering role.

“Hon. Namuganza is not a newcomer in PLU. She is a founder. She was there at the beginning. Therefore, she will be given a special recognition number in our register,” Nabeta said.

He called on leaders across Busoga's districts to support PLU activities, describing the sub-region as important to the movement's national mobilisation efforts.

Namutumba Woman MP Betty Mpongo Nakisita also pledged allegiance to PLU, urging district leaders to work together to mobilise women and young people.

Other leaders at the event included Busiki County MP Waiswa Joel Azalwa, the district LCV chairperson and councillors led by District Council Speaker Wakudumira Basangwa.

NRM-PLU relationship draws attention

The mobilisation drive has also raised questions about how PLU activities relate to the NRM, the party that has governed Uganda since 1986.

NRM cadres in Busoga have argued that supporting PLU does not necessarily conflict with membership in the ruling party.

In Mayuge District, NRM chairperson and Bunya West MP Aggrey Bagiire reportedly described the NRM as the mother of PLU, saying the two share objectives, including fighting corruption and protecting the NRM legacy.

The groups are reportedly operating under a “Tuko Pamoja” arrangement, meaning “We Are Together”, to coordinate grassroots mobilisation.

Cadres have also emphasised that PLU registration should remain voluntary, with individuals free to decide whether to join.

The Namutumba event therefore highlights PLU's efforts to consolidate its presence in Busoga, while public declarations by political leaders continue to shape discussion about the movement's relationship with the ruling party and Uganda's future leadership.