By Aggrey Twesigye
www.mknewslink.com
In Mbarara—
The Director of Mobilization for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Michael Mawanda Maranga, has called on media activists and media personalities to champion patriotism, peace and national development through responsible reporting.
Mawanda made the remarks during a media engagement organized by the Patriotic League of Uganda held on Wednesday at Pelican motel in Mbarara city.
Addressing participants, Mawanda said Uganda’s founding ideals under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) patriotism, democracy, Pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation remain the foundation for the country’s progress.
He noted that Uganda has adequate natural and human resources but emphasized the need for leaders and citizens to rethink strategies that can lift more people out of poverty.
He urged Ugandans to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, saying development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
Mawanda cautioned against actions and reporting that could undermine national unity, instead encouraged journalists and media practitioners to use their platforms responsibly in ways that promote the country’s achievements while maintaining professionalism.
“Our responsibility is to protect what we have as a country and use the prevailing peace to develop ourselves,” he said, adding that members of the Patriotic League of Uganda should remain disciplined and peaceful in all their engagements.
Mawanda further reiterated that the movement’s objective is to mobilize support for the political aspirations of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, expressing confidence that PLU members would work towards ensuring he becomes Uganda’s next President.
Speaking at the meeting Polly Katwiire Karamuzi the assistant RCC for Mbarara city, cautioned members against mixing the activities of PLU with those of other organizations, emphasizing that PLU members should uphold discipline while respecting the existing memorandum of understanding between PLU and the NRM under the ‘Tuko Pamoja’ framework.
Deputy PLU Coordinator for the Ankole Sub-region Didas Tabaro commended members for their commitment to the movement and urged them to avoid internal conflicts while continuing to promote discipline and unity.
Mbarara City Woman Member of Parliament Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda encouraged young cadres to stand against corruption while using social media responsibly.
She also appealed to journalists to highlight the government’s achievements and called on the Chief of Defence Forces to take a keen interest in addressing absenteeism within the civil service.