The simmering power struggle within Uganda’s ruling establishment has taken an increasingly bitter turn, with Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Coordinator for the Office of thr National Chairman and Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda launching fresh attacks against President Museveni’s son-in-law, Odrek Rwabwogo. The latest exchange has deepened what many political observers see as an emerging ideological and political contest within influential circles around State House.
Kabanda has accused Rwabwogo of corruption, land grabbing, manipulating President Yoweri Museveni against his critics and presiding over the misuse of billions of shillings in public funds. The allegations come just days after Rwabwogo published a strongly worded reflection calling for reform within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), warning that the ruling party risks losing its relevance if it fails to confront impunity and embrace accountability.
The latest war of words marks another chapter in an increasingly public feud that has drawn attention because of the protagonists’ proximity to Uganda’s First Family.
Background: The Investigator’s Earlier Report
In an earlier article, The Investigator examined growing signs of ideological divisions within the ruling establishment following Rwabwogo’s appeal for institutional reforms and Kabanda’s swift rebuttal.
That report highlighted Rwabwogo’s argument that Uganda’s development ambitions—including transforming the economy into a $500 billion economy—would require honest leadership, respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression and institutions capable of correcting themselves.
Kabanda, however, dismissed the reform message as selective, arguing that those calling for accountability should first account for their own actions. He accused powerful individuals within the establishment of shielding corruption while preaching reform.
The newspaper observed that what initially appeared to be a debate about governance was rapidly evolving into an open contest over influence within the ruling movement, with supporters on both sides interpreting the exchanges as reflecting broader succession-era tensions.
Only days later, Kabanda has returned with even more explosive accusations.
Kabanda Claims Rwabwogo Sought Presidential Intervention
In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Kabanda alleged that Rwabwogo had complained to President Museveni about his criticism and sought to have him publicly discredited.
“I have reliably been informed that Rwabwogo went to the President with a number of my tweets about him and asked him to restrain me from speaking about him or condemn me publicly by referring to me as a CROOK so that I can maybe lose credibility in society and in my constituency,” Kabanda wrote.
The legislator said he would not be intimidated.
“What the President needs to tell Rwabwogo is to stop being corrupt and a land grabber.”
Kabanda insisted that no amount of political pressure would silence him.”When Milton Obote referred to President Museveni as a bandit and swine, it actually didn’t stop him from chasing his mission. What can actually stop me from talking about thieves like him is DEATH, nothing else.”
Defending His Political Credentials
Kabanda also sought to contrast his own political record with that of Rwabwogo.
He said he delivered overwhelming electoral support for the NRM in Mubende without relying on party funding.”Kabanda whom he wants to refer to as a CROOK actually got for NRM 71 percent in Mubende with zero budget from NRM.”
He then accused Rwabwogo of allegedly defrauding party supporters in Kiruhura and Kazo districts.”Rwabwogo instead defrauded NRM supporters in the districts of Kiruhura and Kazo. Now between Kabanda and Rwabwogo who is a CROOK?”
The allegations have not been substantiated in court, and Rwabwogo has not publicly responded to them.
The Shs75 Billion Coffee Programme Claim
Among the most sensational claims raised by Kabanda concerns public funding for coffee promotion.
He alleged that Rwabwogo and associates received Shs75 billion under a programme intended to encourage coffee consumption.”Can you imagine that Shs75 billion was allocated to Rwabwogo and his clique to teach Ugandans how to drink coffee?”
Kabanda questioned both the purpose and value of the programme, suggesting taxpayers deserved answers about how the money was utilised.No evidence accompanied the allegation, and no official investigation or court finding has been cited regarding the claim.
“We Must Be Allowed to Speak”
Kabanda further argued that members of the President’s family should not be immune from public scrutiny where their actions affect governance.
“I know the President does not want public discussion about members of his family. But we must be allowed to speak about those whose actions tarnish the name of the President and the NRM.”He added that Rwabwogo himself had encouraged open discussion on governance.”Rwabwogo himself encouraged us to speak out. So let us speak.”
Rwabwogo’s Reform Message
Kabanda’s latest attack follows Rwabwogo’s widely discussed message urging the ruling party to embrace reform rather than rely solely on its liberation history.
“The question is not whether the NRM has a history. It does,” Rwabwogo wrote.”The question is whether the Movement can reform, renew itself and protect its founding purpose for Uganda’s next stage of growth.”
According to Rwabwogo, institutions survive only when they are willing to correct themselves.”No institution survives by memory alone. Anything that grows must be defended by those who understand its value. It must be corrected when it is drifting.”
He argued that Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions would require disciplined leadership and stronger institutions.
“We must keep the country communicating freely. We must allow people to speak without fear. We must stop impunity.”His concluding remarks have since attracted widespread discussion.”Fear disables people. Reform keeps institutions alive.”
Growing Questions Within the Ruling Establishment
The increasingly personal exchanges between Kabanda and Rwabwogo have fuelled speculation about broader disagreements within influential circles surrounding State House.
While neither man has directly referred to succession politics, analysts note that both command significant audiences within the ruling movement and represent different approaches to governance and political renewal.
Kabanda has increasingly positioned himself as an outspoken defender of PLU chairman and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, while Rwabwogo has become one of the leading voices advocating institutional reforms, economic transformation and stronger governance standards.
Whether the latest confrontation represents a temporary disagreement or a deeper ideological divide remains to be seen.
Awaiting Official Response
By the time of publication, neither President Museveni nor Odrek Rwabwogo had publicly responded to Kabanda’s latest allegations.
The accusations of corruption, land grabbing and misuse of public funds remain allegations made by Kabanda. No court has determined their validity, and no official investigative findings have been released publicly to substantiate them.
Even so, the escalating public exchanges suggest that debates once confined to internal party meetings are increasingly unfolding in the open, exposing competing narratives about the future direction of the NRM and the political forces shaping Uganda’s next chapter.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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