Todwong Explains NRM-PLU Relationship, Says They Are One Struggle On Different Fronts

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has clarified the relationship between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), saying the two operate through different structures but remain focused on what he described as a common political objective.

Todwong said the NRM remains the main political organisation responsible for implementing its manifesto, while PLU provides another avenue for mobilisation and engagement with sections of the population.

“There is no difference between PLU and NRM. The philosophy that I do say, like we have always repeated, is that it is one struggle but different fronts,” Todwong said.

He compared the relationship to a river and its tributaries, with the NRM serving as the main political organisation.

“The NRM party is the river. The others are tributaries. They feed to the main river,” he said.

Todwong said PLU has helped strengthen mobilisation in areas where the NRM previously faced challenges, adding that the party appreciates its contribution.

He also dismissed suggestions that PLU activities are intended to test the loyalty of NRM leaders or force politicians to take sides.

On the 2031 succession debate, Todwong said the NRM has an established roadmap and that individual preferences should not be mistaken for an official party position.

He said the immediate focus remains implementing the NRM manifesto rather than succession politics, stressing that the party's leadership has repeatedly emphasised that the focus should be on “what” needs to be done rather than “who” should lead.