Daudi Kabanda Asks Museveni To Fire Otafiire Kahinda From Cabinet Or Else Muhoozi Will Cut Ties With NRM

David Kabanda, the Head of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman’s Office and Kasambya County Member of Parliament, has reportedly asked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to remove Internal Affairs Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire from government. Kabanda is also reported to have warned that the move could affect the relationship between PLU and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

According to the statement attributed to Kabanda, he said he would ask the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to reconsider PLU’s alliance with the NRM if Otafiire remained in government. The reported remarks point to growing disagreements over the relationship between the two political groups.

Kabanda reportedly accused Otafiire of failing to appreciate the contribution of young people and PLU supporters to the NRM’s election victory. He argued that their efforts should be recognised and respected within the ruling party.

The Kasambya County MP also criticised what he portrayed as an attitude that places too much importance on participation in the Luweero Bush War. According to the claims attributed to him, Kabanda suggested that Otafiire should not consider his role in the liberation struggle a reason to be treated as special or beyond criticism.

Otafiire is a veteran figure in Uganda’s political and military history, having participated in the struggle that brought the NRM to power. He has held several government positions over the years, including the portfolio of Minister of Internal Affairs.

The reported demand for Otafiire’s removal could raise questions about disagreements within the wider NRM political environment and the relationship between the ruling party and PLU. However, Kabanda’s reported position does not by itself establish that President Museveni intends to dismiss the minister.

Otafiire remains a senior government figure, and any decision about his cabinet position rests with President Museveni. The claims about possible consequences for the PLU-NRM relationship would also depend on the positions taken by the relevant leaders and organisations.

The controversy comes amid continued political debate about the influence of young supporters, the role of veterans of the liberation struggle and the future relationship between PLU and the NRM. Otafiire’s response to the reported remarks, as well as any official reaction from Museveni or Gen Muhoozi, would help clarify the next steps.