A fresh political storm has erupted within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after Kasambya County MP and former Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General, Hon. Daudi Kabanda, accused a senior party figure, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, of indirectly attacking President Yoweri Museveni through his criticism of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Kabanda, a staunch supporter of Muhoozi, claimed that some historical NRM leaders have continued to benefit from government positions and Cabinet appointments while publicly criticizing the President’s son, who also serves as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
His remarks were made in response to recent comments by Gen. Otafiire, the veteran bush war fighter and Minister of Water and Environment, who raised concerns about alleged government killings and extrajudicial actions. Kabanda dismissed Otafiire’s statements as hypocritical, arguing that such criticism has only strengthened Muhoozi’s standing among young people.
Otafiire has repeatedly opposed the idea of Muhoozi succeeding President Museveni. In February 2026, he publicly declared that while he respected Muhoozi as Museveni’s son, he did not support him becoming president. His comments triggered sharp reactions from Muhoozi and his supporters.
At the time, Muhoozi accused Otafiire of dragging him into what he described as a personal dispute with President Museveni.
According to Kabanda, repeated attempts to discredit Muhoozi have backfired, fueling what he described as a growing youth-driven political movement within the NRM. He argued that many young Ugandans now view the First Son as one of the party’s most influential and promising political figures.
The remarks have sparked intense debate on social media, with many Ugandans rushing to defend Otafiire’s historical contribution to the liberation struggle and his long-standing service within the ruling party. Others have questioned whether younger NRM voices are attempting to suppress legitimate discussions about governance, accountability, and leadership succession.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions within the NRM as discussions surrounding the party’s future leadership continue to intensify. It also underscores the increasing political influence of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose role within Uganda’s political landscape remains a subject of national debate.
As the controversy continues to unfold, political observers are closely watching whether the public disagreements between senior and younger NRM figures could further expose divisions within the ruling party ahead of future political contests.
Gen. Otafiire is yet to respond on Kabanda remarks and once he does we shall keep you posted here.
