PLU Launches 20 Million Signature Drive in Kitgum

2 October 2026, 8:24 pm

By Isaac Olweny

KITGUM, UGANDA — The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has launched its 20-million-signature collection drive in Kitgum District, with local coordinators receiving registration books and being instructed to complete the exercise within two weeks.

The launch, held on Friday at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) boardroom, brought together PLU sub-county, town council and municipal coordinators. The exercise follows the launch of the registration campaign by Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany in Gulu City.

Speaking at the event, PLU representative Mr Onencan Robbinson Acen urged coordinators to comply with the two-week deadline set by the organisation’s secretariat, emphasising that the registration exercise must be entirely free of charge.

Acen called on the coordinators to work closely with existing National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures and maintain peaceful relations as they mobilise residents across the district.

He also cautioned against imposing fees on people registering, stressing that the exercise is intended to be accessible to all interested participants.

Acen said Kitgum was currently second to Gulu City in online registration, with more than 330 PLU cadres registered in Kitgum and over 520 in Gulu City since the online platform was introduced.

He said the organisation’s activities required commitment and sacrifice, revealing that all 156 registration books printed for the Acholi sub-region had been sponsored by Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament, Dr Lillian Aber.

Acen emphasised the importance of coordination with district leadership, saying the success of the exercise would depend on cooperation among the various stakeholders.

He also urged coordinators to report any security threats or incidents directed at them to their respective Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), who would liaise with the district’s security leadership through the RDC.

He also urged coordinators to report any security threats or incidents directed at them to their respective Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), who would liaise with the district’s security leadership through the RDC.

The PLU representative further acknowledged the support of Chua East MP John Calvin Okoya and Chua West MP Simon Peter Adum towards the registration exercise.

Kitgum RDC Ebil Jimmy Ssegawa, who officiated at the launch, welcomed the PLU’s activities, particularly its stated commitment to fighting corruption and improving service delivery.

“I am very happy with the efforts being made by the PLU in ensuring that corruption is dealt with and service delivery enhanced,” Ssegawa said.

He also expressed support for the activities of PLU mobiliser Balaam Barugahara, saying he would welcome him to Kitgum.

“Everyone has seen what Balaam is doing. I am ready for him to come to Kitgum because he is doing the right thing. I have not heard anywhere that the PLU doesn’t support government programmes. In fact, they are helping a lot. This is the kind of civil organisation the government really wants,” Ssegawa said.

The RDC’s remarks highlighted the district administration’s stated willingness to work with the organisation in its mobilisation activities.

Each registration book is designed to accommodate more than 5,041 names, with local leaders expected to mobilise residents in their respective areas.

Three legislators have already committed to being the first registrants in selected areas. Dr Lillian Aber is expected to lead registration in Mucwini West Sub-county, Simon Peter Adum in Kitgum Matidi Town Council, and John Calvin Okoya in Omiya Nyima West Sub-county.

Their participation is intended to encourage residents to take part in the exercise.

The registration campaign is part of the PLU’s wider effort to collect more than 20 million signatures across Uganda in support of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s anticipated presidential bid in 2031 and beyond.

The organisation, which evolved from the MK Movement, has endorsed Kainerugaba for the future presidency while maintaining that it is a civic organisation rather than a political party.

The PLU operates alongside the ruling NRM, whose national chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, secured another term following the 2026 general election.

The organisation’s stated position is that it will continue its activities while Museveni remains in office, with its future political direction dependent on his decision regarding another presidential bid in 2031.

The Kitgum launch marks another phase in the PLU’s mobilisation campaign in the Acholi sub-region, with coordinators now expected to begin collecting registrations across their assigned areas within the two-week period set by the secretariat.