Muhoozi Retains Key Figures on PLU Central Committee, Addresses Gashumba’s M23 Remarks
In a series of late-night social media posts, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has announced major changes to the movement’s Central Committee while also directly responding to controversial statements made by fellow commentator Frank Gashumba.
New Central Committee Announced
In a post shared with his hundreds of thousands of followers, Gen. Muhoozi confirmed the first batch of members who will serve on the new PLU Central Committee. Those retained include Michael Nuwagira, Edwin Karugire, Hon. Michael Mawanda, and journalist Andrew Mwenda.
“The rest will be announced soon,” Muhoozi stated, signaling a broader reshuffle.
Explaining his decision, the General noted that the previous team had accomplished its initial objectives, but that new challenges now demand fresh personnel.
“In the next few months I will appoint a new membership of the Central Committee of PLU. We achieved what we set out for with the previous team. The new challenges that face us need a fresh team,” he wrote.
Direct Response to Gashumba’s ‘M23’ Threat
The announcements follow heightened online attention surrounding a remark by Frank Gashumba, in which he allegedly suggested the possibility of starting another M23 rebellion in Uganda.
Gen. Muhoozi responded firmly but measuredly, stating: “On my brother @FrankGashumba threatening to start another M23 in Uganda, we shall call him and discuss his issues in the PLU Central Committee. Point of information, I outrank ndugu Gashumba both in Rwanda and Eastern DRC.”
The comment underscores Muhoozi’s confidence in his regional military stature while leaving the door open for dialogue within party structures.
Gashumba Defended as ‘Taken Out of Context’
Shortly after, a detailed rebuttal emerged from Prof. Makombo Jago-Minyang, a senior researcher with the NRM/PLU. According to Prof. Jago-Minyang, Gashumba’s remarks were from an “OLD clip” and have been widely misinterpreted.
He explained that Gashumba was not issuing a personal threat, but rather quoting a statement by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame while advocating against the harassment of minority groups in Uganda—specifically the Banyarwanda (Abavandimwe), Hima, and Tutsis.
“Gashumba only cautioned that IF the matters of harassment of ANY minorities persists in Uganda, it shall cause uncalled for resistance and uprisings… uprisings such as M23 (these are factually Ugandan and Makenga is from Kayunga here)… Gashumba did NOT in anyway say himself shall be part of it,” Prof. Jago-Minyang wrote.
He further noted that as a direct result of Gashumba’s advocacy, President Yoweri Museveni issued an Executive Order in June 2025 protecting the citizenship and immigration rights of the Abavandimwe community.
Museveni’s Executive Order on Citizenship
The 2025 Executive Order, citing the President’s constitutional authority under Article 99(1) and (4), stops the arbitrary denial of passports and national ID cards to long-term residents. It mandates verification through local leadership, including LC1, LC3, GISO, and RDC offices.
“The people who have been here for generations, and are known by their communities, should not be harassed or denied services. They deserve respect and their rights,” President Museveni was quoted as saying during a June 25, 2025 meeting with the Banyarwanda community at State House, Entebbe.
Muhoozi’s Broader Tone: ‘Jokes, but Serious’
In other posts, Gen. Muhoozi reminded followers of his characteristic blend of humor and gravity. Referencing a prior remark about “short nyashless women,” he cautioned: “Things start here with jokes, and we have a good laugh. But I’m always serious about what I say… the day will come when action is taken.”
Conclusion
The twin announcements—reshaping the PLU Central Committee while managing fallout from Gashumba’s comments—suggest a leader consolidating both internal party structures and public messaging. By retaining key influencers like Mwenda and Mawanda while offering Gashumba a seat at the table, Muhoozi appears to be balancing loyalty, discipline, and dialogue.
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