The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has responded to criticism from former Cabinet minister Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere after he questioned Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s recent comments on alcohol consumption and nightlife.

PLU officials dismissed Kabwegyere’s remarks, arguing that his criticism of the organization and its chairman was not surprising because of his alleged political connections.

Daudi Kabanda, the head of the PLU Chairman’s Office, said Prof. Kabwegyere was a known ally of Odrek Rwabwogo, President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law, and suggested that this relationship influenced his comments against PLU.

“Prof. Kabwegyere is a known ally of Rwaboogo, everyone knows that. His statements today on BFM Bushenyi against PLU do not surprise us,” Kabanda said.

The remarks came after Kabwegyere criticized Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over comments in which the PLU chairman defended Ugandans’ freedom to enjoy nightlife activities.

Kabwegyere, while appearing on BFM Radio in Bushenyi, questioned whether a person aspiring to become president should encourage behaviours that he believes could worsen Uganda’s alcohol-related challenges.

The former minister argued that Uganda already faces serious concerns over alcohol consumption and warned that leaders should consider the impact of their public messages.

“Uganda today has the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the whole of Africa and we are fifth in the world. Now here comes a person who wants to be president and he is encouraging people to drink more. Where are you leading the people? Where are you taking the nation?” Kabwegyere said.

His comments sparked a political exchange, with PLU moving to defend Gen. Muhoozi and challenge the former minister’s criticism.

Kabanda said PLU would respond to Kabwegyere’s remarks at an appropriate time but questioned the former minister’s record and contribution to his home area of Bushenyi.

“We shall get time to respond to him appropriately. But at 80 years, what tangible achievements in Bushenyi can be attributed to him?” Kabanda asked.

The PLU official’s response added another layer to the ongoing political debate involving Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, his supporters and critics.

The disagreement follows a wider discussion about government efforts to regulate nightlife and alcohol businesses in Uganda.

Gen. Muhoozi recently argued that bar and nightclub owners should have the freedom to determine their operating hours as long as there was no violence or disorder.

He stated that Ugandans were entitled to enjoy themselves and that entertainment activities should be managed while maintaining peace and security.

The remarks were welcomed by some supporters who viewed them as a defence of individual freedoms and business rights.

However, critics argued that public figures should be careful when commenting on issues such as alcohol consumption because of possible social and health consequences.

Kabwegyere’s criticism focused on the responsibility of leaders to guide society, especially when addressing young people and national values.

PLU, however, maintained that the criticism was politically motivated and linked it to ongoing political disagreements involving different groups.

Kabanda’s comments brought attention to the political relationship between Kabwegyere and Rwabwogo, which PLU believes explains the former minister’s position.

Kabwegyere, one of Uganda’s long-serving politicians and academics, has held several government positions and has been active in national politics for decades.

He previously served in various government roles, including as minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Disaster Preparedness.

The latest exchange reflects growing political debates surrounding Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his activities through PLU as discussions about Uganda’s political future continue.

While Kabwegyere has raised concerns about alcohol misuse and leadership responsibility, PLU has defended its chairman and challenged the motives behind the criticism.

The public disagreement highlights the broader political divisions and competing views about leadership, social values and the direction Uganda should take in the coming years.