Gen. Muhoozi Assigns Patriotic Officer Numbers to Tycoons Sudhir, Kirumira, and Ex-VP Prof. Gilbert Bukenya as PLU Expands Ranks

What the report says

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has assigned Patriotic Officer (PO) numbers to 118 prominent Ugandans as part of its expanding internal numbering system, according to Watchdog Uganda. The latest names include businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, businessman Godfrey Kirumira Kalule, and former Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya.

The article says PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla confirmed the update in a statement released on Friday, September 11, 2026. Sudhir Ruparelia was given PO/198, Kirumira PO/199, and Bukenya PO/300. Other figures reportedly included in the broader list are current and former public officials such as ministers Amos Lugoloobi, Musa Ecweru, Sarah Nakawuki, and Faith Mercy Lakisa.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the two tycoons were already visible in PLU activities after visiting the group’s headquarters in Naguru on September 7, where they joined the launch of its digital registration platform and website. The report says they also signed endorsement registers supporting Muhoozi’s stated 2031 presidential bid. Their inclusion appears to formalize a relationship the PLU has highlighted through public praise for private-sector support and charitable contributions.

The numbering system, as described by PLU, is modeled on the National Resistance Army era and is meant to reflect seniority and participation in mobilization. More broadly, the development shows how PLU is combining civic branding, political signaling, and recruitment of high-profile figures as it grows its ranks.