PLU Protest at German Embassy Sparks Outrage Across Uganda
However, the move has provoked sharp criticism from the Ugandan public and civil society actors, many of whom say PLU’s actions were reckless, unfounded, and potentially damaging to Uganda’s diplomatic relations with one of its key international development partners.
Uganda Today: PLU Protest at German Embassy Sparks Outrage Across Uganda
By Uganda Today Reporter | www.ugandatoday.co.ug | June 13, 2025
KAMPALA – The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political movement led by the Chief of Defence Forces and First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is once again in the eye of a political storm after its members staged a protest outside the German Embassy in Kampala, accusing the ambassador of interfering in Uganda’s internal affairs. The dramatic demonstration, marked by chants and placards, targeted Germany’s diplomatic mission over alleged sympathies towards the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
However, the move has provoked sharp criticism from the Ugandan public and civil society actors, many of whom say PLU’s actions were reckless, unfounded, and potentially damaging to Uganda’s diplomatic relations with one of its key international development partners.
The Accusation: Foreign Meddling or Manufactured Drama?
During the protest on this Friday, PLU supporters accused the German Ambassador of “subtle interference” in Uganda’s political affairs, specifically pointing to alleged meetings and remarks perceived to favour the NUP. Placards with anti-German slogans with denigrating words were waved as protesters demanded that the ambassador to “desist from partisan politics.”
Speaking to local media, one PLU mobiliser Michael Mawanda claimed, “We shall not allow foreign powers to destabilize our country by secretly backing opposition forces.”
But many observers saw the protest as a publicity stunt orchestrated by a movement struggling to maintain political relevance.
Public Backlash: “A Circus of Intimidation”
Across various platforms, the public responded with widespread condemnation, accusing PLU of overstepping its bounds and targeting a respected diplomat without credible evidence.
Exiled academic and human rights activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi, never one to shy away from controversy, took to social media to lambast the protest. “Today, Muhoozi’s idiots found it urgent to attack the German embassy in Kampala and German ambassador to Uganda. How much more circus will Ugandans endure?” she wrote.
Other civil society leaders also decried the protest as “intimidatory diplomacy” that threatens Uganda’s international image.
“Such actions by the PLU are not only embarrassing but dangerous. Uganda risks being isolated diplomatically if political movements associated with the military start attacking embassies based on speculation,” said a Kampala-based international relations analyst.
A Movement Under Scrutiny
The Patriotic League of Uganda, seen by critics as a political vehicle for Gen. Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions, has often courted controversy. From inflammatory social media rants to erratic public mobilisations, PLU has been repeatedly criticised for blending military influence with overt partisan politicking — a practice that many say undermines Uganda’s democratic processes.
This latest episode adds to a growing list of incidents in which the movement is perceived as pushing the boundaries of political decency.
Germany’s Response
As of publication, the German Embassy had not issued an official statement on the matter, but diplomatic sources indicate that the incident has been noted and may be addressed through official channels with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A senior diplomatic correspondent told Uganda Today, “This is not how diplomacy works. Germany, like all partners, has the right to engage with all political actors. Vilifying an ambassador because of perceived friendliness towards the opposition sets a dangerous precedent.”
The Bigger Picture
The protest raises troubling questions about freedom of expression, diplomatic immunity, and the militarisation of politics in Uganda. With elections on the horizon and political tensions rising, analysts warn that such antics could escalate if not checked.
Ugandans on social media are now demanding an official apology from PLU, with hashtags like #HandsOffDiplomats and #PLUCircus trending on X (formerly Twitter).
As the dust settles, one thing is clear — PLU’s attack on the German Embassy has backfired spectacularly, drawing both national embarrassment and international concern.
Editor’s Note: We welcome responses from the PLU leadership and the German Embassy for balanced coverage. Send feedback and letters to ugandatodayedition@gmail.com
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