Uganda Police Defends PLU Procession to Parliament Amid Political Tensions

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has justified its decision to permit the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to hold a procession to Parliament, where members protested what they called disrespect toward their leader, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Hundreds of PLU supporters, dressed in t-shirts emblazoned with praise for General Kainerugaba, took to the streets in a demonstration that began in Naguru and proceeded toward Parliament. The protesters, many of whom openly referred to General Kainerugaba as their "next president," condemned what they believe to be political maneuvering aimed at undermining their leader instead of addressing Uganda’s pressing national issues.

According to the UPF, the decision to allow the demonstration was in line with the right to freedom of assembly and expression. However, the move has sparked debates among political analysts and opposition groups, who question whether similar freedoms would be granted to other political organizations.

The PLU, a pro-Kainerugaba movement, has been gaining traction among youth and sections of Uganda’s political class, advocating for General Kainerugaba’s leadership vision. The group alleges that certain political actors have deliberately worked to discredit and sideline him from national discourse.

In response to the protest, some critics argue that Uganda’s security forces have historically been selective in their enforcement of public order laws, often cracking down on opposition demonstrations while permitting pro-government rallies.

As political tensions continue to rise, the demonstration underscores the growing influence of General Kainerugaba's supporters and the possible implications for Uganda’s political landscape. Whether this marks the beginning of a larger political movement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—PLU members are determined to make their voices heard.