AMPALA, March 22, 2026 — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has assigned additional “Patriotic Officer” (PO) numbers to senior members of the movement, extending a system that supporters say is designed to reflect contribution and seniority within the organisation.
The latest announcement, made on Sunday, builds on an earlier list released two days ago and brings the total number of recognised officers to at least 20. Among those named are Frank Tumwebaze as PO 013 and Frank Mwesigye as PO 020.
“In addition to the 12 Patriotic Officers announced… I award the following numbers to the following comrades,” Gen. Kainerugaba wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), listing several political and movement figures.
The numbering system was earlier explained by journalist and PLU mobiliser Andrew Mwenda, who said it “reflect[s] the contribution of these individuals to the organization and their seniority in it,” adding that “PO stands for Patriotic Officer.”
Other appointees include Kyeyune Kasolo (PO 014), Ruth Acheng (PO 015), Joanne Okia (PO 016), Atima Jackson (PO 017), Ojara Mapinduzi (PO 018), and Nelson Nshangabasheija (PO 019).
The system, which mirrors the structured ranking style of the National Resistance Army’s historical command hierarchy, began with Gen. Kainerugaba designated as PO 001 and early mobilisers such as Michael Nuwagira — commonly known as “Toyota” — receiving some of the earliest numbers.
Shortly after the announcement, Mr. Mwesigye welcomed his designation, posting: “Thank you so much my leader Gen. MK for giving me a number in PLU, I’m officially number PO 020. I really appreciate sir.”
However, the rollout has also exposed internal tensions within the loosely organised movement, particularly among early mobilisers and newer entrants.
In a lengthy post, Mwesigye highlighted the contributions of founding teams and individuals, pointing to early mobilisation efforts such as large public events organised in Lugogo and Bushenyi. He credited figures like Nuwagira and other organisers for “historic” efforts that helped build the PLU from informal grassroots groups.
“We all remember the people who laid the foundation for PLU,” he wrote. “These were not ordinary moments… This was the true spirit of volunteerism… which is now dying.”
He added that many early activities were self-funded, stressing that “these events were financed by the team leaders themselves, using their own resources to support and mobilize members.”
Mwesigye also criticised what he described as growing divisions within the movement, particularly between founding members and newer supporters.
“It is painful to see some of the very people who were recruited and supported by these leaders now turning against them,” he said. “It is sad to see latecomers trying to undermine founding members of PLU.”
The remarks come amid online debate over recognition, inclusion, and leadership within PLU, with some supporters questioning omissions and the direction of the movement as it continues to formalise its internal structures.
Despite the tensions, Mwesigye called for unity, urging members to “build unity, respect one another, and remember the values that brought us together.”
The Patriotic Officer numbering initiative is expected to continue as the organisation expands, though its long-term implications for cohesion within PLU remain to be seen.
