The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has asked Parliament for Shs1.5 billion to fund the printing and nationwide distribution of more than 200,000 copies of a publication celebrating the life and leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The publication, 52 Dimensions, was produced to mark Gen Muhoozi’s 52nd birthday and was officially launched on Monday in the Speaker’s boardroom at Parliament. According to its publishers, the requested funding would cover production, documentation and free distribution of the book to schools, universities, public libraries, leadership institutions and youth centres across Uganda.
Speaking during the launch, the publication’s chief editor, Kenneth Asiimwe, said the inaugural edition is themed “Resetting the Fact of Default,” a phrase inspired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth’s campaign for the speakership.
He said the publication was designed to highlight values including responsible leadership, integrity, accountability, patriotism, national service, institutional renewal and the fight against corruption.
Asiimwe said the book contains commemorative reflections, feature articles, analytical essays, tribute messages and contributions from individuals in the security, governance, parliamentary, judicial, education, media, private sector, cultural, religious and civil society sectors.
He added that Parliament had contributed to the publication through submissions from Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige, PLU Secretary General and Member of Parliament Fadhil Chemaswet, alongside several other legislators.
According to Asiimwe, PLU had formally requested Parliament’s support towards the project’s estimated Shs1.5 billion budget.
He said the funding would enable the printing and free distribution of more than 200,000 copies across educational institutions and public learning centres, ensuring that students, researchers and young people who might otherwise be unable to obtain the publication can access it.
Asiimwe also announced that a limited premium edition would be sold at Shs100,000 per copy to corporate buyers, with proceeds earmarked for the Uganda Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Responding to the request, Speaker Oboth-Oboth described the publication as an independent initiative deserving consideration and reiterated Parliament’s commitment to strengthening all its constitutional responsibilities.
He said Parliament’s functions of legislation, representation, oversight and appropriation should receive equal attention.
“Representation is just as important as fighting corruption. None of our constitutional mandates is superior to another. We want a parliament that works for everyone, where institutions are respected, accountability is upheld, and the views of Ugandans are represented,” he said.
The Speaker also urged Ugandans to embrace patriotism, saying it should not be viewed as the preserve of any particular organisation.
“I believe every Ugandan should be patriotic. If you say you are not patriotic, then you are the opposite. Being PLU does not mean it is a political party. It brings together people with shared values – fighting corruption, promoting peace, loving the country and protecting the environment,” he said.
Oboth-Oboth became the first national endorser of the publication after signing its inaugural endorsement board during the launch ceremony.
According to the publishers, 52 Dimensions aims to document Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s leadership journey while serving as a civic education resource that promotes patriotism, leadership, integrity and national service, particularly among young people through free access in educational institutions nationwide.
