2026 polls: Some PLU members defy leadership, eye political seats

As the leadership of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) announced that they will not field candidates against the ruling NRM in 2026, different aspirants have said that they are ready on ground laying strategies.

During the launch of the Youth Forum in Kampala last week, the National Vice Chairperson of PLU Micheal Nuwagira aka Toyota said they will not field candidates against NRM in 2026.

“We are not a political party,” he said, adding “We are supporting the current government and that is the only preparation we are having,”

Mr Nuwagira, who is also president Museveni’s young brother, acknowledged that multiple youths have made their intentions clear of vying in different seats in the 2026 polls using the PLU political vehicle.

“In case we have other plans, we shall inform you. PLU is for everyone. We have not made a political party to enable people to contest in it for now, we are supporting the current government,” he said.

Different PLU youths including; Daniel Kananura, the PLU Chief Mobilizer for Kira municipality and Ryan Mulindwa Kibedi, the coordinator of Kooki County said they have already publicly announced their parliament bid.

Kananura intends to unseat Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda of Kira Municipality in Wakiso district, while Kibedi will stand against Boaz Ninsiima Kirabo in Kooki County, Rakai district.

Kananura said, “I have engaged in communal work mostly in Kira, where I managed to lobby for free health services, sanitation, and education services, for some lacking areas,”

Kananura, the chief executive officer of Damazo Procurement Consultants says he has engaged in numerous social projects aimed at uplifting the lives of Ugandans especially in Kira where he has lived for long time.

Among these he says are roads, health sector and education which he said are wanting.

“I want to fight corruption which has become the cancer in our country, eating up all sectors including the Parliament where I intend to serve from,” he said

He come at a time when four legislators including Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, Lwengo Woman MP Cissy Namujju, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba and Igara East MP Micheal Mawanda are in prisons over corruption allegations.

The  who are facing different charges were recently arrested after President Museveni during the State of the Nation Address, informed law makers that he had gotten evidence that some MPs working with finance ministry officials deprive the public billions of money through budget fraud.

Kibedi who also said he is coming to ensure that the people of Kooki get proper services said: “I want to assure our supporters of Kooki County that with your help and the Grace of God we shall contest and win elections in 2026 without fail, therefore district thieves and corrupt individuals should be scared.”

He added: “I understand the problems of the people of Kooki and I even started lobbying for my place years ago. Through my foundation Ample Hearts Foundation, I have extended free health services, supported different children in education by securing for them scholarships, and also worked on roads, among others.”

Ms Jacquie Namuyonga, another top leader in PLU said that they are aware of the group of youths who are strategizing to contest in the forthcoming polls but advised them to for now consider using the NRM vehicle.

“People wanting to exercise their rights and stand in different positions is ok but now they are asking, are they coming to NRM or PLU? Rights now the answer is NO, we are a civic organization not yet a political party nor a pressure group. You can vie for any political office you wish, but I would advise you to go to NRM until PLU transforms into a party,” she said.

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