The National Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Michael Nuwagira, has called on young people to embrace discipline, patriotism and accountability as Gen Z for Gen 7 endorsed General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for Uganda’s 2031 presidential election.
Nuwagira, who was the chief guest at the endorsement event held at the PLU Secretariat in Naguru, Kampala, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, said young people have a responsibility to protect the achievements of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government while contributing to the country’s development.
“Energy meets experience because the Gen Z have energy and we have the experience. We are NRM, and hopefully we are going to transform to PLU. The achievements that NRM has attained, we are continuing to protect them and also add on to those achievements,” Nuwagira said.
He urged young people to maintain discipline and respect for one another, adding that they should actively follow up on government programmes to ensure resources allocated for development reach the intended beneficiaries.
“My responsibility is that we continue to have discipline and respect for one another. Youth, it is your responsibility that when the government releases money, you have to follow up,” he said.
Nuwagira also called on Ugandans to demonstrate patriotism by speaking positively about their country, criticising what he described as the tendency by some citizens to portray Uganda negatively when they travel abroad.
“We have seen very many people when they travel to other countries, they say Uganda is a bad country. That it is bleeding, like you are talking rubbish about your mother country,” he said.
He emphasised that patriotism should be reflected in how citizens represent Uganda and engage with national development issues.
The endorsement was announced by Kyarisiima Israel, the National Coordinator of Gen Z for Gen 7, who said the group had chosen Muhoozi as its preferred generational leader ahead of the 2031 elections.
“We, the young people of Gen Z for Gen 7, declare our endorsement of MK for the 2031 presidency,” Kyarisiima said.
In a statement issued during the event, the group described Muhoozi as the “Unsung General,” arguing that his contribution to Uganda’s security, diplomacy and institutional development deserved greater recognition.
The group cited his military leadership, diplomatic engagement between Uganda and Rwanda, and examples of military engineering applied to civilian infrastructure as among the reasons informing its political preference.
Gen Z for Gen 7 said its endorsement was based on its aspirations for a Uganda that prioritises patriotism, discipline, service delivery and African sovereignty.
Kyarisiima also used the occasion to commend State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara, whom he credited for his work in the country.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank one of Muhoozi’s soldiers, Balaam Barugahara, for the good work he is doing for our country,” Kyarisiima said.
The group said its support for Muhoozi was intended to give young people a greater voice in shaping Uganda’s political future, while calling for leadership that prioritises opportunities for the youth and efficient delivery of public services.
It further stated that its endorsement represented a political preference and a commitment to peaceful, lawful and constitutional participation in Uganda’s future.
The declaration adds to the political positioning ahead of the 2031 election, with Gen Z for Gen 7 expressing its intention to support Muhoozi’s leadership ambitions while urging young people to embrace patriotism, accountability and active participation in government programmes.
