Bukedea PLU Chief Pushes Back Against Forgery Claims, Defends Gen. Muhoozi Endorsement Drive

 October 15, 2026   |    95 views

By Our Reporter I

————————

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Coordinator for Bukedea District, Sam Opeto, has rejected allegations of signature forgery, misuse of National Identification Numbers (NINs) and intimidation of residents during an endorsement drive for PLU Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Malera Sub-county.

Opeto described the accusations, which circulated on social media, as baseless and deliberately intended to derail the mobilisation campaign, insisting that the exercise was voluntary and conducted with the knowledge of local leaders and community members.

The controversy centres on claims that coordinators allegedly used names collected during an Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) drought-relief registration to populate endorsement registers and threatened residents who questioned the process.

Opeto: Endorsement and Relief Registration Were Separate Exercises

In a statement responding to the allegations, Opeto said the endorsement exercise and OPM relief registration took place in the same area and around the same time, with community awareness and local leadership involvement.

He maintained that residents were free to participate in either exercise without coercion, dismissing suggestions that coordinators exploited the relief programme to secure endorsements.

“I wish to categorically dispute these allegations as false, baseless and intended to distract us from our noble cause,” Opeto stated.

He further questioned why individuals whose names appeared in the relief register had not raised similar concerns about that process but were now challenging the endorsement register.

PLU Coordinator Rules Out Coercion and Threats

Opeto insisted that no coordinator had forged signatures, misused residents’ identification details or threatened anyone during the exercise.

He cited guidance from the PLU National Secretariat, reiterated by the Deputy Director of Mobilisation on October 8, which he said emphasised disciplined mobilisation, respect for citizens and voluntary participation.

The coordinator urged PLU mobilisers in Malera and across Bukedea District to remain calm and democratic while carrying out their activities.

Muhoozi’s 2031 Ambition Remains at the Centre of Mobilisation

Despite the controversy, Opeto signalled that the endorsement campaign would continue, presenting the allegations as an attempt to distract supporters from their political objective.

He challenged critics to abandon social media accusations and participate in the mobilisation exercise instead.

“To the so-called whistleblowers, I invite you to stop fighting from the corners of WhatsApp groups. Just get on board and join the train,” he said.

Opeto added that the PLU mobilisation drive was focused on endorsing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for 2031.