Otto Sets Conditions For Joining Muhoozi’s PLU As Munyagwa Signals Readiness To Work With Muhoozi

Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto has indicated that he could work with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), while former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa has reportedly expressed a similar interest, although both appear to have conditions attached to any possible cooperation.

The latest political development unfolded on Monday afternoon during a PLU function at which the movement unveiled its website and Patriotic Officers Identification Cards. The event also marked the beginning of a campaign to endorse Gen Kainerugaba as a future presidential candidate.

State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara, who is also the PLU Vice President for Western Uganda, welcomed Otto to the gathering and acknowledged that they have had political differences. He said Otto’s decision to attend the event demonstrated his willingness to associate with the movement despite those differences.
Balaam also spoke about Munyagwa, claiming that the former MP had called him the previous day to communicate his support for Gen Kainerugaba. He alleged that Munyagwa wanted to cooperate with PLU but was concerned about what he described as attempts by some members of the movement to blackmail him.

Munyagwa was not present at the event and had not independently confirmed Balaam’s claims by the time the report was published. Otto, however, publicly outlined what he believes must happen before he can fully embrace cooperation with PLU and Gen Kainerugaba.
Otto said human rights would be a major consideration, arguing that any movement seeking political influence should respect human rights standards. He noted that he did not have a PLU identification number but suggested that he would consider obtaining one if the organisation invited him to join.
At the same time, Otto credited Gen Kainerugaba for what he described as efforts to improve road infrastructure and tackle corruption. He said resolving the human rights concerns could clear the way for cooperation, adding that he could potentially serve as a coordinator because of his ability to mobilise people.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including businessmen Sudhir Ruparelia and Godfrey Kirumira, who participated in the endorsement exercise. PLU continues to portray itself as a civic organisation and pressure group within the ruling NRM rather than a separate political party, as it expands activities linked to Gen Kainerugaba’s presidential ambitions.