Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has announced that journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda will face disciplinary action after referring to President Yoweri Museveni as “senile” in remarks that sparked controversy within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) camp.
In a statement posted on X, Muhoozi acknowledged internal weaknesses within PLU, describing the political outfit as a growing organisation that reflects the broader character of Ugandan society.
“PLU is a party in formation. In full view of the Ugandan people. We have all the defects that Ugandan society has…we have very good people but we also have bafere and crooks,” Muhoozi wrote.
The First Son then issued a direct apology to Museveni over Mwenda’s remarks, distancing the PLU leadership from the controversial comments and reaffirming the alliance between PLU and the ruling NRM.
“As Chairman of PLU, I want to sincerely apologize to H.E. the President for the embarassing, uncharacteristic and wrong words one of our members, Andrew Mwenda, used against you. We are going to subject our member to a disciplinary process. The NRM/PLU alliance is strong,” Muhoozi added.
The statement signals growing sensitivity within PLU over public criticism directed at Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986 and remains the central figure in the country’s political establishment. It also highlights the balancing act facing Muhoozi as he attempts to position PLU as a political force while maintaining loyalty to his father and the NRM leadership.
Mwenda, a veteran journalist and founder of The Independent magazine, has long been known for his outspoken political commentary and close association with influential figures within government. However, his recent remarks about Museveni triggered backlash from sections of the ruling party and supporters of the President.
The incident could test cohesion within PLU, an organisation that has increasingly attracted youthful supporters and political actors aligned to Muhoozi’s growing influence in Uganda’s succession politics.
Meanwhile, Muhoozi says his father was misled on some cabinet appointments as he vowed to destroy Baryomunsi and consoled Kabanda in his strong reaction to the list of new ministers. (See Details Here).
Regarding the Museveni ‘senile’ comments, Andrew Mwenda apologized days ago after the president responded to his article in which the veteran journalist claimed that the 82-year-old president was too old to run the country and that he was giving conmen billions in bogus projects. (See Details Here and There).
Read the Andrew Mwenda article that angered Museveni HERE.
