PLU Bars Military-Style Dressing at Offices, Tightens Control Over Activities and Communication

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has issued new internal administrative and protocol directives barring supporters, coordinators and leaders from attending its offices, meetings or official functions in military or paramilitary-style clothing. The measures were contained in an internal memorandum dated July 27, 2026, from the PLU Office of Protocol and addressed to the organisation’s leaders, coordinators and supporters.

According to the report, the memo says combat gear, tactical clothing or apparel that could suggest affiliation with armed or security forces is prohibited unless written approval is obtained from the Office of the General Secretary. Members are instead encouraged to wear civilian clothing or approved PLU-branded attire. Nile Post identifies Fadil Twaha as the new PLU Secretary General and describes PLU as a civil pressure group led by Chief of Defence Forces and First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The directives also tighten control over communication and mobilisation conducted in PLU’s name. Members were told to rely on official PLU channels, the General Secretary’s office or authorised Central Committee members for information about programmes, appointments and meetings. Supporter-run WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook groups, X communities and TikTok pages used for mobilisation must be registered with details of administrators, contacts and areas of operation.

Nile Post further reports that PLU warned against unauthorised meetings, fundraising drives, trainings, public engagements or use of the organisation’s name, logo and branding. The memo also discourages personal attacks, threats, intimidation, online abuse, violence, extortion, misleading information and unauthorised statements, urging members to handle disputes through internal structures. The changes matter because they signal an effort by PLU to manage its public image and internal discipline more tightly.