Politics 21 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Upholds Decision to Not Summon Gen. Muhoozi, 17 Others Over PLU Launch
The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an appeal by lawyer Male Mabirizi seeking criminal summonses against Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and 17 others regarding the launch of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa ruled that Mabirizi's complaint lacked sufficient factual grounds to establish the alleged offenses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-declines-to-summon-cdf-muhoozi-17-others-over-plu-party-launch-5640386
The High Court has denied a request to issue criminal summonses against the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and seventeen other individuals. The summonses were sought in relation to the establishment and management of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Jailed lawyer Male Mabirizi had initiated a private criminal complaint, accusing the respondents of various offenses, including managing an unlawful society and conspiracy. The complaint stemmed from the PLU’s launch event on February 7, 2024, in Kampala, which was reportedly under Gen. Muhoozi’s leadership.
However, High Court Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa summarily dismissed Mabirizi’s appeal, affirming the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court’s earlier decision not to issue the summonses. The judge found that the complaint did not provide adequate factual details to support the allegations of criminality.
Justice Wolimbwa stated that while Mabirizi identified an organization, a meeting, and a political objective, he failed to supply evidence linking these elements to unlawful purposes, criminal agreements, or speeches. The court emphasized that a complainant must present a factual account showing the elements of an offense and connecting the accused individuals to its commission.
The judge also noted that a political organization should not automatically be deemed unlawful simply because it supports the political aspirations of a serving military officer. Mabirizi’s arguments, including his reliance on a supporting affidavit and the magistrate’s consultation with local administrators, were found insufficient to overcome the lack of factual basis.
Consequently, the High Court upheld the lower court’s refusal to issue criminal summonses, dismissing the appeal and making no order for further investigation or rehearing. The ruling places the burden on the complainant to provide the necessary factual evidence for proposed criminal proceedings.