Uganda's PLU Demands Halt to Shs52 Billion Funding for Presidential Advisory Committee

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has formally requested the Ministry of Finance to suspend over Shs52 billion (US$14 million) allocated to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID). This demand escalates a public dispute between Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and PACEID Chairperson Odrek Rwabwogo, who is also a son-in-law to President Museveni.

General Muhoozi recently asserted on his X account that PACEID is an illegal entity. In response, Rwabwogo maintained that the committee, established by President Museveni, remains lawfully in operation as it has not been disbanded. The PLU, through its Executive Secretary and Kasambya County MP David Kabanda, who is aligned with Muhoozi, has amplified these concerns.

Kabanda stated at a press conference in Kampala that the PLU wants all government bodies to suspend dealings with PACEID until its establishment, financing, staffing, and accountability are clarified. He questioned PACEID's place within the established legal and administrative framework, particularly its access to public resources and involvement in government programs. "The country needs to know who appointed him as the chairman of PACEID," Kabanda asserted, questioning the procedural legitimacy of Rwabwogo's appointment and PACEID's operational structure.

The PLU official raised further questions regarding PACEID's accounting officer, staff recruitment, office expenses, and financial accountability submissions. Kabanda argued that Rwabwogo's senior presidential adviser role does not inherently grant PACEID the authority to operate as an independent government organization outside established structures. He drew a comparison to other presidential initiatives, like the Anti-Corruption Unit, which he noted operate within defined government procedures.

Adding another layer to the dispute, Kabanda alleged that the Ministry of Finance is preparing to disburse approximately US$14 million to Rwabwogo or an associated company. This alleged payment is reportedly linked to a transaction involving the supply of helicopters and other materials to the government of South Sudan, raising further questions about Uganda's financial dealings.

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The country needs to know who appointed him as the chairman of PACEID.