KISORO — The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has taken its mobilisation and endorsement drive for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s proposed 2031 presidential bid to Kisoro District, where more than 1,000 people were reported by organisers to have appended their signatures during the first day of the exercise.
The endorsement exercise was held at the Mayor’s Garden in Kisoro Municipality and attracted residents, political and local leaders, boda boda operators and PLU supporters.
The Kisoro mobilisation forms part of PLU’s wider nationwide exercise to collect physical endorsements for Gen. Kainerugaba ahead of the 2031 presidential election. PLU has said its endorsement books are being distributed through its structures across the country.
The event was attended by State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, PLU Kigezi Sub-region Coordinator Hon. Nelson Shangabasheija, Kisoro District LC5 Chairperson Richard Nyiranya, the Resident District Commissioner, councillors, PLU district and regional coordinators and other local leaders.
Also prominent at the mobilisation was Capt. Arthur Mugisha Rucakatsi, popularly known as Bubu, a PLU coordinator, patron of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Association and Vice President of Sports Club Volcanoes.
Speaking at the event, Minister Grace Akifeza Ngabirano said the participation of residents demonstrated what she described as the will of those taking part in the endorsement process.
She also highlighted the importance of youth participation in leadership and national affairs, saying greater involvement of young people could create opportunities for them.
Shangabasheija, who is the PLU Kigezi Sub-region Coordinator and Patriot Officer Number 19, described Gen. Muhoozi as a potential leader whom he believes could take over the country’s leadership when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni eventually leaves office.
Using a bus analogy, Shangabasheija said national leadership requires what he described as a capable driver and called on residents to support Gen. Muhoozi’s proposed 2031 candidature.
Capt. Mugisha also described Gen. Muhoozi as a “generational leader” and urged residents to participate in the PLU mobilisation exercise.
Following the endorsement exercise, Capt. Mugisha turned his attention to the welfare and safety of boda boda operators in Kisoro.
He announced plans to provide protective helmets to thousands of motorcycle riders, with the initiative targeting up to 8,000 boda boda operators across the district.
Mugisha said he would continue donating helmets on a monthly basis, with the latest phase involving 200 helmets, as part of efforts to encourage riders to prioritise their safety, protect passengers and reduce risks associated with motorcycle transport.
Mugisha had earlier donated 100 helmets to members of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Operators Association and pledged to provide another 100 helmets every month until the wider target is reached.
Robert Karangara, chairman of the Kisoro United Boda Boda Association, commended Mugisha for what he described as his continued support for motorcycle riders.
Karangara urged boda boda operators to remain united and disciplined, obey traffic regulations and make proper use of the protective equipment provided.
Mugisha later visited Seseme Girls Secondary School, where he pledged to meet the full school fees and education-related costs of Odeta Twizerimana, a Senior Three student living with a disability, up to Senior Six.
Twizerimana lost her father in May this year, leaving her mother, Uzamukunda Kellen, struggling to meet the family’s needs through farming.
According to the school’s headteacher, Peace Ruzaza, the family had previously faced difficulties paying Odeta’s school fees on time and had on several occasions needed additional time to raise the required funds.
The intervention has given the student renewed hope as she continues with her education.
Odeta, who dreams of becoming a doctor, said she had prayed for assistance and pledged to work hard at school to make the most of the opportunity.
Her mother, Uzamukunda Kellen, welcomed the support, saying the death of her husband had placed additional financial pressure on the family and made it difficult to meet household expenses, including school fees.
The Kisoro activities brought together political mobilisation and community support initiatives, with Mugisha using the occasion to promote boda boda safety and support the education of a vulnerable student.
The PLU endorsement exercise is part of a wider national mobilisation campaign for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s proposed 2031 presidential candidature. PLU launched the national endorsement campaign in September and has since conducted similar activities in different parts of Uganda.
