By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Thousands of supporters of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration on Monday, voicing their discontent with what they describe as unfair criticism against the Chief of Defense Forces and leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The march, though initially planned to reach Parliament, was ultimately postponed until Gen. Muhoozi himself could lead them.
Despite his absence, the march sent a strong message. “This is proof that we can demonstrate peacefully without disrupting the lives of ordinary Ugandans,” said Daudi Kabanda, MP for Kasambya County and General Secretary of PLU.
A Response to Political Attacks
Kabanda criticized certain Members of Parliament, including Hon. Derrick Nyeko, Hon. Barnabas Tinkasimire, and Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, for what he called repeated personal attacks against Gen. Muhoozi.
“You all remember that on January 24, our supporters held a press conference at the PLU secretariat,” Kabanda stated.
“We were guided to stage a peaceful demonstration against how some MPs were conducting official business specifically, summoning our chairman to appear before the parliamentary Committee of Defense and Internal Affairs, even though his deputy, Lt. Gen. Sam Okidingi, was there to represent him.”
He added that the march was a show of solidarity with Muhoozi, warning critics that the PLU would continue to defend their leader’s reputation.
“Our message is clear,” he continued. “If you think Muhoozi is unfit to be president, then contest against him and face the reality.”
Marching for Change
Faridah Nakalawa, another PLU representative, emphasized that the demonstration was not just about defending Muhoozi, but also about standing up against corruption and bad governance.
“This march was a must for every Ugandan,” she said. “We all see the corruption in this country. The PLU stands for justice, accountability, and the end of impunity. When we look at how Parliament operates, we know something is not right.”
Kainerugaba. Unlike some past protests that were primarily driven by economic grievances or demands for political reform, this demonstration was organized to defend the reputation of a specific individual against perceived unjust criticism from certain Members of Parliament.
While previous protests often faced confrontations with security forces, the PLU march was notable for its orderly conduct and the absence of violence.
This indicates a potential shift in the dynamics between protestors and authorities, suggesting that peaceful demonstrations can be conducted without significant interference.
In essence, while Uganda’s history is replete with protests addressing broad systemic issues, the PLU march represents a more personalized form of demonstration, focusing on the defense of an individual’s reputation within the political arena.
What’s Next?
While the march didn’t reach Parliament this time, supporters are determined to continue pressing forward. Kabanda hinted that another demonstration would be organized soon, with Gen. Muhoozi personally leading the movement.
“The next time, we’re going all the way,” he said.
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