By Aggrey Baba
State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze has been credited with helping the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) pull off a successful but peaceful demonstration against Turkey, with PLU Secretary General (SG) Fadil Twala publicly thanking him for the good work done, ahead of Friday’s march.
Hon. Witonze, who is also a certified PLU cadre, was, according to Twala, among the key figures involved in the arrangements that enabled thousands of supporters to peacefully and lawfully converge at Lugogo Cricket Oval before embarking on their triumphant march to the Turkish Embassy in Kololo.
The Minister’s involvement was particularly significant given his responsibility for the Internal Affairs docket, which oversees the country’s internal security and more so the Uganda Police Force which is charged with the enforcement of law & order.
Security arrangements were put in place for the procession, while organizers were guided on how to conduct the demonstration peacefully and avoid destruction of property or disruption of traffic by other road users and general businesses along the route.
Twala acknowledged Witonze’s contribution while addressing the crowd at Lugogo shortly before the march started, placing his appreciation alongside that of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) [Abas Byakagaba] and other security officials.
“I want to thank the organizing committee, the security led by the IGP and the entire commissioners of police and their line Minister Honorable Witonze,” Twala said.
Twalla’s public recognition adds to Witonze’s growing profile as a political organizer within the NRM and PLU structures, whereby his ability to mobilize supporters has increasingly attracted attention.
Witonze has previously been involved in grassroots mobilization in Gomba and Greater Mpigi and played a role in President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign activities during the 2026 election period. His mobilization record and growing influence within the political structures associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba have featured in previous reports by Mulengera News.
His work within PLU has also seen him take part in efforts to strengthen the movement’s grassroots structures and mobilize supporters beyond Kampala. That organizational experience was on display on Friday as PLU supporters travelled from different parts of the country for the Turkish Embassy demonstration, which aimed at showing displeasure at Ankara.
By the time the procession left Lugogo, the crowd was dominated by PLU colors, with supporters dressed in yellow and black T-shirts, many carrying photos of incoming President Gen Muhoozi, and chanting his name.
The peaceful nature of the march was particularly important given the size of the crowd and the heightened political attention surrounding the protest. Organizers repeatedly urged participants to maintain discipline and avoid acts that could discredit Gen MK and undermine the purpose of the demonstration.
The marchers eventually reached the Turkish Embassy at approximately at 12pm, where only a small delegation led by Twala was allowed into the mission premises to deliver PLU’s letter of dissatisfaction over Turkey’s refusal to extradite the very abusive Ugandan blogger Fred Kajubi Lumbuye.
The document was received by embassy officials, with the PLU delegation reportedly being assured that the Turkish side would appropriately respond to the concerns raised.
The successful conclusion of the demonstration has consequently given Witonze, who at the Cabinet level supervises the Uganda Police Force, another platform to showcase his organizational and mobilization credentials that have accompanied his rise from grassroots NRM politics into government and subsequently the PLU apex leadership. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
