Frank Gashumba
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Frank Gashumba is set to return to mainstream Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) politics after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly cleared him of any personal differences and expressed a desire to have the outspoken businessman back in the organisation’s leadership.
The development marks a significant turn in a relationship that appeared strained in June after Gashumba lost his position as PLU vice chairman for Buganda following the resurfacing of controversial remarks in which he warned of a possible M23-style rebellion in Uganda.
Former PLU General Secretary Daudi Kabanda disclosed on Friday, September 4, that he had spoken directly to Gen Kainerugaba about Gashumba and received assurances that the PLU chairman had no personal problem with his former lieutenant.
“I have had a telephone conversation with our Chairman, Gen. (Muhoozi) regarding our brother (Frank Gashumba). The Chairman has no issue with Comrade Frank, and he will soon be brought back to the mainstream of PLU,” Kabanda said.
The statement effectively opens the door for Gashumba’s return to an organisation from which he had appeared to distance himself after his removal.
Political reconciliation
Gashumba’s troubles within PLU began when an old video resurfaced in June, in which he warned that Uganda could face an M23-style rebellion if grievances affecting the Banyarwanda community were not addressed.
“Beyond the constitutional court, we have another option. If this matter of Banyarwanda is not solved, trust me, prepare yourself for M23 in Uganda. All options are not ruled out,” Gashumba said in the recording.
The comments resurfaced amid controversy over Parliament’s rejection of Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga for a ministerial appointment.
Gashumba subsequently explained that the recording was several years old and had been taken out of context by political opponents. He said his remarks were about difficulties some members of the Banyarwanda community faced in accessing national identity cards and passports, rather than a threat to overthrow the government.
The controversy nevertheless caught the attention of Gen Kainerugaba, who said Gashumba would have to explain himself before PLU leaders.
“On my brother @FrankGashumba threatening to start another M23 in Uganda, we shall call him and discuss his issues in the PLU Central Committee,” Muhoozi said at the time.
Days later, Gashumba was dropped as PLU vice chairman for Buganda during a major restructuring of the organisation. He was replaced by Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
Gashumba embraced his exit
Rather than launch a prolonged public fight with the organisation, Gashumba appeared to accept his removal while suggesting that PLU membership had constrained his ability to speak freely.
“The truth is PLU had caged me, because as a member, I was required to stand with every decision made by PLU. I had to be careful,” he said.
He thanked Gen Kainerugaba for the opportunity to serve and said his departure had restored his independence.
“But I am grateful to my boss Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the time I have spent with him and the contribution I have made towards his image. I thank him for the opportunity. Now I am freelance, with an independent mind. No more collective responsibility,” Gashumba said.
His comments suggested that the fallout was more organisational than personal, a distinction that has now become important following Kabanda’s revelation.
Muhoozi keeps the door open
Even after Gashumba lost his leadership position, Gen Kainerugaba signalled that their personal relationship had survived the political disagreement.
The PLU chairman described Gashumba as a close friend, indicated that he remained under his protection and suggested that the two would meet privately.
Kabanda’s latest disclosure goes further, suggesting that the PLU leadership now wants to move beyond the controversy and restore Gashumba to active participation in the organisation.
The wording that he will be brought back to the “mainstream of PLU” is significant because it suggests a return that could go beyond ordinary membership, although it remains unclear what specific leadership position he could occupy.
Why Gashumba still matters to PLU
Gashumba’s possible return could be important to PLU because of his visibility, outspoken political style and ability to attract public attention.
Before his removal, he was one of the organisation’s prominent figures in Buganda, a politically important region where PLU has sought to expand its influence.
His public profile as a businessman and political mobiliser also gave him a platform that extended beyond formal party structures.
His return could therefore allow PLU to reclaim a figure who, despite his controversial statements, has remained closely associated with Muhoozi’s political project.
At the same time, the episode has exposed the difficult balance between individual political expression and collective responsibility within a movement increasingly positioning itself as a major force in Uganda’s political future.
The road back
Kabanda’s intervention appears to have transformed the Gashumba saga from a disciplinary dispute into a reconciliation story.
The controversy that began with an old recording, escalated into Gashumba’s removal and briefly appeared to create distance between him and Muhoozi may now be nearing its conclusion.
For Gashumba, returning to PLU would mean re-entering an organisation he once said had restricted his independence.
For Muhoozi, bringing him back could demonstrate that political disagreements need not permanently destroy personal relationships or organisational ties.
What remains unclear is when the formal readmission will take place and whether Gashumba will regain a leadership position similar to the one he held before his removal.
For now, Kabanda’s message is clear: Muhoozi has extended an olive branch, and Gashumba appears to have a pathway back into the PLU mainstream.
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