The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), chaired by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is seeking a role in the selection of Uganda’s incoming Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), a development that could increase the organisation’s influence in the country’s local administrative structures.
Muhoozi has indicated that PLU intends to approve candidates before they take up the positions, signalling that the organisation wants to have a say in who represents President Yoweri Museveni at district level. RDCs are presidential appointees responsible for monitoring government programmes, coordinating security activities and representing the president in their respective districts.
In a statement announcing the proposed arrangement, Muhoozi said PLU would take part in vetting the incoming commissioners. “PLU will approve all new RDCs in the country,” he said, making it clear that the organisation wants its leadership involved in the selection process.
The PLU chairman also stressed that the organisation was looking for people who could serve with integrity and avoid corruption. “We need serious cadres who are incorruptible,” Muhoozi said, adding that the initiative was intended to support his father, President Museveni, in handling the appointments. “We shall help Mzee with this issue,” he added.
The proposed involvement comes as PLU continues expanding its structures across the country and positioning itself as a supporter of the ruling NRM government. The organisation has been mobilising members and cadres, with its leadership seeking to strengthen its presence in national political and administrative affairs.
RDCs hold influential positions because they oversee government programme implementation, coordinate with security agencies, monitor public service delivery and report developments in their districts to the presidency. Their counterparts in cities are Resident City Commissioners, while deputies and assistants support them in carrying out these responsibilities.
However, the proposal raises questions about how PLU’s planned approval process will work alongside the established constitutional arrangement, under which RDCs are appointed by the president. Muhoozi’s statement does not, on its own, establish that the organisation has been formally granted authority over presidential appointments.
If implemented, the arrangement could give PLU a more direct role in identifying and assessing individuals seeking RDC positions across Uganda. Attention will now turn to how the presidency responds and whether the proposed vetting process becomes part of the official appointment procedure.
