Arua, Uganda | URN | West Nile is set to become the first region to formally endorse Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s bid for the Ugandan presidency in 2031, with supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda-PLU preparing for a major mobilisation event in Arua City. The endorsement is scheduled for today, September 14, at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) grounds in Arua City, barely two weeks after Gen. Muhoozi publicly declared his intention to contest for president in 2031. (PL Uganda)
PLU supporters in West Nile say preparations are complete for the event, which is expected to attract supporters from across the region, including members of the refugee community in Arua. Jackson Atima Lee, the PLU coordinator for West Nile, said the group will also unveil registration books for supporters as part of the endorsement drive.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday evening, Atima, a former Member of Parliament for Arua Central Division, said the regional leadership had been holding meetings to ensure a successful endorsement. He also said Gen. Muhoozi, who is currently serving as Chief of Defence Forces, is expected to retire from the military at a time deemed appropriate by PLU.
Judith Bako, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Arua Central Division and PLU publicity secretary for West Nile, described the endorsement as part of what she called a peaceful transition from the current NRM government to a new administration.
Moses Obeta, Chairman of the Arua Business Community and head of the central organising committee for the West Nile endorsement, said supporters in the region want to use the process to position West Nile for a prominent role in a future Muhoozi administration.
Dr Christine Candiru, a PLU supporter in Arua District, said her support for Gen. Muhoozi is based on her expectation of a better future under his leadership.
Gen. Muhoozi’s presidential bid was formally announced on September 1, 2026, when PLU Executive Secretary David Kabanda said the general would contest for president in the 2031–2036 term. (PL Uganda)
PLU has since launched a nationwide endorsement campaign, including physical endorsement books and online registration, as it mobilises support for the bid. (PLU).
The Arua endorsement is expected to draw supporters from across West Nile and comes amid increased political activity around Gen. Muhoozi’s declared presidential ambitions.Security has been heightened in Arua ahead of the event.
