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Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) does not discriminate against Ugandans because of their religious beliefs. He said the organisation is open to people from different religious backgrounds and supports them regardless of the faith they follow.
Muhoozi made the remarks while emphasising what he described as PLU’s commitment to bringing Ugandans together. According to him, the organisation’s focus is on supporting Ugandans as citizens rather than dividing them according to their religious beliefs.
“PLU doesn’t see religions,” Muhoozi said. He explained that the organisation does not consider a person’s religious identity as a reason to exclude them from its activities or from the support it offers.
The General mentioned different religious groups to demonstrate the diversity of Uganda’s population. He specifically referred to Protestants, Catholics and Muslims, while also mentioning Murokore and Muchwezist beliefs.
“We don’t care if you are a Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Murokore or Muchwezist,” Muhoozi said. His message was that religious differences should not become a barrier between Ugandans or determine how people are treated.
Muhoozi further said that PLU’s approach is based on the belief that Uganda belongs to all its citizens. He suggested that Ugandans should be able to participate in the country’s political and social activities without being judged because of their religious beliefs.
The remarks come at a time when questions of national unity and inclusion continue to feature prominently in Uganda’s political discussions. Different religious communities have long lived and worked alongside each other across the country.
According to Muhoozi, PLU recognises this religious diversity and does not intend to build its support around one particular faith. Instead, he said the organisation wants to bring together Ugandans with different religious and social backgrounds.
The CDF also emphasised that PLU’s support is intended for all Ugandans. He said the organisation does not want a person’s religious belief to become a condition for receiving its support or associating with its activities.
“We love and support all Ugandans whatever their religious belief,” Muhoozi said. The statement presented the organisation as one that seeks to put shared national identity ahead of religious differences.
Muhoozi’s comments also highlighted the important role religion plays in the lives of many Ugandans. Churches, mosques and other religious institutions remain important parts of communities, while religious leaders frequently participate in national and community discussions.
By saying that PLU does not “see religions,” Muhoozi appeared to be emphasising that religious identity should not determine a person’s political belonging. In his message, Ugandans with different faiths can participate in the same organisation and pursue common interests.
The General’s statement also sought to emphasise the possibility of cooperation among people who hold different religious beliefs. He said PLU’s interest is in Ugandans coming together rather than focusing on the differences that exist between their religious communities.
His reference to Protestants, Catholics and Muslims covered some of the major religious communities in Uganda. His mention of Murokore and Muchwezist beliefs further demonstrated his attempt to speak about a wider range of religious and traditional identities.
Muhoozi’s message comes amid continued political discussions about unity and inclusion. Political organisations seeking national support often have to appeal to people from different regions, communities and religious backgrounds.
The CDF said that PLU’s concern is not with what religion a Ugandan follows but with the person’s shared identity as a citizen. He presented this as a way of ensuring that people with different beliefs can remain part of the same national community.
He also appeared to warn against using religious differences as a basis for division. According to his message, Ugandans should be able to work together and support common causes even when their religious beliefs and traditions are different.
Muhoozi maintained that PLU’s support is not meant for one religious group alone. He said the organisation’s love and support extends to Ugandans from different faiths and backgrounds.
The statement therefore placed national unity at the centre of Muhoozi’s message. Rather than requiring Ugandans to share the same religious beliefs, he said they can remain different in faith while still working together as citizens.
In his closing message, Muhoozi reaffirmed that PLU wants to support Ugandans regardless of their religious background. He said Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, Murokore, Muchwezist and others should all be recognised as Ugandans, emphasising his call for unity and inclusion.
