Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the chief whip, has become the latest minister to back Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s bid to become Uganda’s president in 2031.
Aceng, who is also the Lira City Woman MP and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) coordinator for the Lango sub-region, visited the office of the PLU chairman in Kololo, Kampala, accompanied by other supporters.
She said Ugandans should begin preparing for the country’s future leadership transition, arguing that early preparation is important in dealing with possible challenges.
“We in the health sector believe in early preparations so that you come up with possible remedies to the challenges,” Aceng said.
She said she continued to support President Museveni, whom she described as having a clear direction for the country, but added that those supporting Gen Muhoozi should prepare for his possible leadership of Uganda.
“We believe in the president, and he still has a proper direction for the country. However, as people who support and want Gen Muhoozi to become the next president, we are saying yes, he should be on standby,” she said.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and Museveni’s son, announced in August that he intended to seek the presidency in 2031.
Aceng also defended the role of PLU, saying the organisation should not be viewed as a political party but as a civic organisation promoting patriotism, unity and service.
She said PLU was bringing together people who believe in fighting corruption and contributing to Uganda’s development.
“Patriotic League is not a political party. It is simply a civic organisation with values rooted in ensuring that there is no corruption,” she said.
Aceng said PLU members could work together to contribute to Uganda’s ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income country.
“Collectively, together, PLU can move this country to the upper-middle-income status,” she said.
The PLU has described itself as an organisation focused on patriotism, service, integrity and protection of public resources. Its official website currently features activities supporting Gen Muhoozi’s 2031 presidential bid.
Daudi Kabanda, the head of the office of the PLU chairman, said the endorsement exercise for Gen Muhoozi was progressing well.
Kabanda said the organisation had started extending the exercise across the country to give more Ugandans an opportunity to participate.
“The endorsement exercise is moving on very well. We have embarked on extending it countrywide to ensure that people get the opportunity,” Kabanda said.
