Even before President Museveni’s latest broadside against Andrew Mwenda, another public confrontation had already laid bare growing tensions among influential figures associated with the First Family and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The latest exchanges revived memories of the bitter online clash between Daudi Kabanda, the outspoken legislator for Kasambya County, and Odrek Rwabwogo, President Museveni’s son-in-law and one of the country’s most influential private sector voices.
The dispute erupted after Rwabwogo published a lengthy message on X calling on Ugandans to reject corruption, defend public institutions and speak out against torture and abuse of office. While many interpreted his comments as a call for ethical leadership, they also sparked speculation that influential insiders were increasingly uncomfortable with the country’s governance trajectory.
Kabanda, one of the most vocal defenders of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), quickly fired back.
Without directly challenging Rwabwogo’s appeal for accountability, Kabanda questioned his moral authority to lecture the country on corruption, accusing him of benefiting from government influence and public resources. Those accusations have not been proven in court, and Rwabwogo has consistently portrayed himself as a private investor committed to promoting industrialisation, value addition and youth entrepreneurship.
The public exchange marked one of the rare occasions when senior figures closely linked to Uganda’s First Family openly confronted one another over governance, exposing ideological differences that had long been whispered about in political circles.
Two Camps, One Centre of Power
Political observers say the latest confrontation involving President Museveni, Andrew Mwenda, Dr. Kenneth Omona and PLU supporters appears to mirror the same fault lines that emerged during the Kabanda-Rwabwogo dispute.
On one side are officials and supporters who argue that corruption, torture and abuse of office must be confronted publicly if the NRM is to preserve its revolutionary credentials.
On the other are voices that insist criticism of the movement should not be amplified in a manner that undermines government institutions or provides ammunition to political opponents.
While no official faction has acknowledged such divisions, the increasingly public exchanges suggest an internal struggle over messaging, accountability and political succession.
More Leaders Join the Debate
Former Presidential aide Dr. Kenneth Omona became one of the highest-ranking NRM figures to publicly welcome President Museveni’s condemnation of torture.
He praised the President’s ideological position while urging him to ensure justice for opposition activist Sam Mugumya.
“Apart from Nuwagaba Stephen, there is a disturbing clip that emerged a few days ago of Sam Mugumya… may his holders produce him in courts of law if he has a case to answer. It’s justice,” Omona wrote on X.
His remarks attracted widespread praise from supporters across the political divide.
Brendan Wadri an estranged aide of president Museveni has described Museveni’s statement as evidence that the country’s biggest challenge was criminal elements allegedly preventing critical information from reaching the President.
“Leadership is not measured by how loudly a leader speaks, but by how willing they are to listen,” Wadri posted who has since fled the country citing life threatening gimmicks by security.
However, not everyone has welcomed Omona’s intervention. PLU supporter Frank Mwesigye launched a blistering response, accusing the former minister of failing to address similar issues while serving in senior government positions.
Mwesigye an ardent supporter and fan of CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba has questioned Omona’s record as Presidential Principal Private Secretary, minister and legislator, arguing that he had opportunities to tackle the very problems he now criticised.
The exchange further illustrated how social media has become the latest battleground for competing political narratives within the broader NRM family.
Ugandans Weigh In
The debate generated hundreds of reactions online.
Many users applauded Omona for publicly raising concerns about torture, saying leaders should speak out regardless of political affiliation.
Others praised President Museveni for reaffirming that torture and extrajudicial actions have no place in the revolutionary ideology of the NRA and NRM.
Some contributors, however, questioned whether the President’s remarks would translate into concrete action, while others argued that allegations of abuse have persisted for years and require transparent investigations. These views reflect opinions expressed by social media users and are not established facts.
Timeline: Growing Public Rifts Inside the Establishment
Late 2025–2026– Public debate intensifies over governance, corruption and alleged abuses by security agencies.
Earlier in 2026– Odrek Rwabwogo publishes a statement urging Ugandans to reject corruption and torture, prompting criticism from Daudi Kabanda.
Following Weeks– Kabanda publicly questions Rwabwogo’s credibility, escalating debate among NRM and PLU supporters.
Recent Days– Andrew Mwenda launches criticism centred on Stephen Nuwagira, triggering an extensive response from President Museveni.
Immediately Afterwards– Dr. Kenneth Omona endorses Museveni’s rejection of torture while raising concerns over Sam Mugumya.
Hours Later– Frank Mwesigye and other PLU supporters criticise Omona, while Ugandans flood social media with sharply divided reactions.
Profiles
President Yoweri Museveni
Uganda’s President since 1986 and founder of the NRM. His latest statement strongly condemned torture and accused corrupt elements within security agencies of frustrating efforts to fight criminality.
Andrew Mwenda
A veteran Ugandan journalist and political commentator known for his close engagement with national political debates. His criticism of Stephen Nuwagira prompted President Museveni’s detailed public response.
Odrek Rwabwogo
Businessman, presidential adviser and President Museveni’s son-in-law. He has frequently advocated for industrialisation, ethical leadership and economic transformation, while also attracting criticism from some political figures.
Daudi Kabanda
Kasambya County MP and outspoken political mobiliser whose robust defence of PLU has made him one of its most recognisable public voices. He has repeatedly challenged critics of the movement.
Dr. Kenneth Omona
Former Presidential aide, former Minister of State for Northern Uganda and former MP. His intervention praising Museveni’s rejection of torture while calling for justice for Sam Mugumya drew significant public attention.
Political Significance
Whether these exchanges amount to a genuine split within the ruling establishment or simply reflect increasingly open internal debate remains unclear.
What is evident is that conversations once confined to closed-door meetings are now unfolding in public, with senior political actors openly disagreeing over corruption, accountability, torture and the direction of the NRM. As Uganda’s political landscape evolves, these public confrontations are likely to attract even greater scrutiny from both supporters and critics of the government.
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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