The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has awarded Patriotic Officer (PO) number 019 to Kabale District LCV Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, under the newly unveiled leadership structure of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Nshangabasheija received the recognition alongside Frank Tumwebaze (PO 013), Kyeyune Kasolo (PO 014), Ruth Aceng (PO 015), Joanne Okia (PO 016), Atim Jackson (PO 017), and Ojara Mapinduzi (PO 018).
The awarding comes after the introduction of a formal identification and ranking system within the organization, aimed at recognizing the seniority and historical contributions of members who have played key roles in building the PLU movement.
Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as chairman of the PLU, unveiled the numbering system, which is modeled after structures previously used in the National Resistance Army. The system assigns PO numbers to members of the league’s leadership and supporters. Initially, the system focused on Central Committee members, with Gen. Kainerugaba holding PO 001, followed by Andrew Mwenda (PO 002), Michael Nuwagira (popularly known as Toyota, PO 003), Edwin Karugire (PO 004) and Daudi Kabanda (PO 005). Other notable members in the initial list included Balaam Barugahare, Michael Mawanda, Lillian Aber, the late Cedric Babu, Frank Gashumba, Henry Basaliza, and Fadil Twala.
The numbering system has now been expanded to include non–Central Committee members to further formalize the PLU’s organizational structure.
Speaking after receiving the recognition, Nshangabasheija thanked Gen. Kainerugaba for acknowledging his commitment to the organization. He pledged continued support to the PLU and said the recognition would motivate him to contribute further to its goals.
He also urged Ugandan’s to embrace the objectives of the PLU, which include promoting national pride, civic responsibility, and fighting corruption.
Nshangabasheija called on members to work collectively in advancing youth empowerment, strengthening institutional accountability, and promoting regional integration for Uganda’s development.
