Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has revealed that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) will approve all newly appointed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) across the country, declaring that the organisation wants serious and incorruptible cadres to serve in government.
Muhoozi, who is the chairman of PLU, said the organisation would help President Yoweri Museveni identify suitable individuals for the influential district leadership positions.
“PLU will approve all new RDCs in the country. We need serious cadres who are incorruptible,” Muhoozi said.
He added that PLU shall help Museveni with this issue.
The announcement signals the PLU’s intention to play a role in the identification and vetting of individuals appointed to represent the President and Government at district level.
RDCs are presidential representatives responsible for monitoring government programmes, coordinating public service delivery and overseeing security matters in their respective districts. They also chair district security committees and monitor the implementation of government policies.
Under the Local Governments Act, the President has the authority to appoint Resident District Commissioners. The law does not expressly provide for a political organisation such as PLU to approve candidates for the positions.
Muhoozi’s proposal therefore raises questions about how the organisation intends to exercise the approval role he has announced and how it would relate to the President’s constitutional and statutory appointment powers.
The announcement comes as PLU continues to expand its organisational structures and political activities across the country.
Launched in February 2024 in Naguru, Kampala, the organisation has established itself as a mobilisation platform associated with Muhoozi and supporters of President Museveni.
Muhoozi has previously described PLU as a pressure group within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), rather than a separate political party, and has repeatedly emphasised its opposition to corruption.
The organisation has also been mobilising supporters through district and regional structures as it seeks to strengthen its grassroots presence.
The proposed involvement in RDC appointments could give PLU a more direct role in influencing the identification of individuals considered for government positions, although the final appointment authority remains with the President.
