The Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba assured the people of Greater Masaka of his commitment to work with them in developing Uganda.
“Thank you for loving PLU. PLU is your voice,” said Gen. Kainerugaba while speaking Friday, March 15 at the Greater Masaka Baraza organized by PLU and held at the Masaka Liberation Square in Masaka City. “We shall build Uganda together. I want to thank the organizing committee that organized this event. Thanks a lot.”
The General used the Baraza to explain the mission and vision of PLU, saying that it “is a civic organization that seeks to mobilize Ugandans to fulfil their civic duties.”
“This means mobilizing Ugandans to love their country, be good citizens, have a spirit of national and protect Uganda from foreign intervention,” he elaborated, adding that the League seeks to champion assistance of vulnerable people in our communities, fighting wastage of resources and corruption.”
Gen. Kainerugaba assured Greater Masaka that PLU is non-partisan, non-denominational, and non-sectarian.
“We have people from every tribe, race, religion, and political party,” he said. “We don’t care about your political party; we just care whether you love Uganda or not… Are you ready to sacrifice for Uganda? That’s all we want.”
The army chief, who is also a senior presidential advisor on Special Operations, noted that PLU encourages all Ugandans to fight corruption and abuse of office because” these vices hinder development.” This is one of the greatest ills facing Uganda today, he said.
“Public offices belong to the country,” said Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. “Anyone in public office is working for you. Don’t elect corrupt people.”
In his speech, the General also revealed that the government is set to acquire 10 million doses of vaccines to immunize the animals against foot and mouth disease so that the quarantine can be lifted.
It’s disturbing cattle farmers a lot, he said.
Turning to youth development, the senior presidential advisor observed that “Ugandans are some of the most creative people in the world”, adding that the government through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) is committed to ensuring that young people receive the necessary assistance, mentoring, and equipment.
“PLU has always been a great supporter of the entertainment industry,” he said.
On his way to Masaka City, Gen. Kainerugaba made a stopover in Lukaya where he pledged Shs4 million to each group of people involved in activities like trade, fishing and craftwork among others. He also received various gifts, including goats and matooke from residents, some of whom joined his convoy to Masaka.
Frank Gashumba, the vice chairman of PLU in Central Uganda, assured the General that from the information they obtained while traversing different parts of the country, including Greater Masaka, he has support and it’s up to him to decide when to run for president.
“We want MK to take the lead,” said Gashumba. “Ugandans now call you Omugogozi Magufuli.”
The Minister of State for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who led the team that organized the Baraza, said that the enthusiasm with which people welcomed his team while inviting them to the event, showed that PLU is loved. “Masaka plays a key role in the politics of Uganda,” he told the General.
Aisha Sekindi, the state minister for Water, said that while she was initially worried about competition between father (President Yoweri Museveni) and son (Gen. Kainerugaba), she now feels “relaxed” that they are both working together. “We shall support you and we won’t lose,” she said.
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze hailed Gen. Kainerugaba for linking Uganda to Egyptians who will supply drugs that will be used in the treatment of various diseases in the animal sector.
Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja said: “I want to welcome you to Masaka and thank the people of Masaka for supporting you. General is among the soldiers the president assigned me to lead and he is a good man with discipline.”
Other MPs that attended included Nathanma Nathan, Shatsi Musherure Kutesa, Basil Kiiza Bataringaya, Daudi Kabanda, Isaac Ssejoba Mayanja, Mary Begumisa, Lilian Aber, Atima Jackson Lee Buti, Jennifer Muheesi, Boaz Kasirabo Nisiima, Steven Kangwagye, Javita, Semwanga, Muhamad Sentayi Muyanja, Alex Ruhunda, Gerald Ibanda Rwemulika, Richard Wanda and Arinaitwe Rwakajara among others.
