KAMPALA, Uganda — Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has implemented a sweeping restructuring of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), replacing its Secretary General and overhauling the Central Committee in a move that significantly reshapes the organisation’s leadership ahead of future political mobilisation.
In a series of statements posted on his X account on Monday, Gen. Muhoozi announced the appointment of Hon. Fadil Twalla as the new PLU Secretary General, replacing Kasambya County MP David Kabanda, who has held the position for three years.
“The new General Secretary of PLU is Hon. Fadil Twalla. I will work closely with him to achieve our objectives. I thank Hon. Kabanda for his 3 years of excellent service. He set the standard high for the position,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote.
He further directed PLU National Vice Chairperson Michael Nuwagira, popularly known as “Toyota,” to immediately oversee a formal handover process between Kabanda and Twalla, instructing that all PLU ministers and Members of Parliament attend the transition ceremony.
“The National Vice Chairperson of PLU, Mr. Michael Nuwagira, is hereby instructed to organise the handover/takeover ceremony of the position of General Secretary as soon as possible,” he said.
The Secretary General change forms part of a broader restructuring of the PLU Central Committee, in which Muhoozi announced that only four members from the previous leadership team would be retained.
In earlier statements, he said the organisation required a “fresh team” to respond to emerging political and organisational challenges, signalling what appears to be a consolidation of authority within a smaller inner circle.
“I am retaining Michael Nuwagira, Edwin Karugire, Hon. Michael Mawanda and Andrew Mwenda on the Central Committee of PLU. The rest will be announced soon,” Muhoozi stated.
Those retained include businessman Michael Nuwagira (Toyota), lawyer Edwin Karugire, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, and journalist Andrew Mwenda.
The reshuffle effectively removes several high-profile figures from the Central Committee, including David Kabanda, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Relief Lillian Aber, businessman Frank Gashumba, and veteran mobiliser Henry Basaliza.
Kabanda’s removal comes at a politically sensitive moment, following recent reports suggesting he had considered stepping back from active politics due to pressure and personal strain. He had also previously deactivated his X account amid speculation about his political future.
Despite earlier indications that he might exit politics, sources have previously suggested he was encouraged by Gen. Muhoozi to remain active within the PLU framework during internal consultations.
His exit from the Secretary General role therefore marks a significant shift within the movement, where he had been a key figure in national mobilisation and organisational coordination.
The restructuring also highlights Gen. Muhoozi’s continued effort to streamline PLU leadership while maintaining a tightly knit core of trusted allies.
Toyota has played a central role in PLU’s organisational logistics and mobilisation efforts, while Karugire has been closely associated with legal and strategic advisory functions.
Mawanda has been a prominent mobiliser, and Mwenda has served as one of the organisation’s most visible public communicators.
Analysts note that the retention of these four figures suggests a deliberate strategy to maintain operational continuity while recalibrating the broader leadership structure.
The changes follow a series of posts in which Gen. Muhoozi has emphasised the need for organisational renewal and stronger internal coordination within PLU.
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He also recently indicated plans to engage with businessman Frank Gashumba over controversial remarks made in public discourse, signalling ongoing internal management of high-profile members even as structural changes continue.
PLU was formally structured into a Central Committee in 2024, bringing together politicians, business figures, and media personalities as part of its national mobilisation strategy.
Gen. Muhoozi is expected to announce additional appointments to the reconstituted Central Committee in the coming weeks, a development that is likely to further define the organisation’s direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The latest reshuffle underscores a broader reorganisation within PLU, with observers viewing it as part of an ongoing effort to centralise decision-making while refining the movement’s political strategy and leadership base.
