The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has rejected reports that it petitioned Parliament for Shs1.5 billion to support the production and free distribution of a publication celebrating the life and leadership journey of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
PLU, whose national chairman is Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has described the reports as “very false news” and demanded an apology from those behind the publication of the claims.
The controversy follows a report by The Observer Uganda, based on information from news agency Uganda Radio Network (URN), which stated that PLU had approached Parliament seeking financial assistance for the production and distribution of more than 200,000 copies of 52 Dimensions — a publication unveiled to commemorate Gen Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday.
The report quoted the publication’s chief editor, Kenneth Asiimwe, as saying that the publishers had written to Parliament seeking support for a Shs1.5 billion budget covering production, documentation and dissemination of the book.
It further stated that the requested funds would facilitate the printing and free distribution of copies to schools, universities, public libraries, leadership and ideological institutions, youth platforms and other centres of learning across the country.
However, PLU Secretary General Twalla Fadil has dismissed the claims, insisting that the organisation never requested financial support from Parliament and has no need for such funding.
“PLU as an organization has not requested Parliament for any money, we don’t want it and we don’t need it.” Twalla said in a statement.
The PLU secretary general accused the report of falling short of the balanced and factual journalism that the organisation says it advocates for.
“This type of reporting is what PLU and our chairman [Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba] are fighting against in the quest to have a balanced and fair media.” he said.
Twalla argued that reports surrounding the publication should focus on its objectives and the work of its author rather than creating what he described as a misleading financial narrative.
“We want reporting based on facts and not misleading statements aimed at tainting the image of the organization.” he added.
He also defended the publication’s author, warning that linking the book to a funding controversy could overshadow its intended purpose.
“Do not water down the good works of the author of that book by creating a false financial narrative towards it.” Twalla said.
The PLU official concluded his statement by demanding an apology over the reports.
“WE DEMAND AN APOLOGY” he said.
The dispute comes shortly after the launch of 52 Dimensions, which was endorsed by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth during an event held at Parliament.
At the launch, Asiimwe described the publication as a compilation of commemorative reflections, feature articles, analytical perspectives and tribute messages from leaders in security, governance, Parliament, the judiciary, education, media, private sector, cultural, religious and civil society sectors.
The publication carries the theme “Resetting the Fact of Default,” a phrase associated with Oboth-Oboth’s campaign during the race for Speaker of Parliament.
While the original report indicated that financial support had been sought from Parliament, PLU has now disputed that claim, setting the stage for a public clarification over the circumstances surrounding the publication of 52 Dimensions.
