April 15 this year marked exactly a year since Hon. David Kabanda the MP for Kasambya County was appointed Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
His strategic leadership has, indeed turned the group into a vibrant and an unmatched force to reckon with in Uganda’s vibrant yet polarized political arena.
PLU is now a potent nationalist force, blending youthful energy, reformist zeal, and loyalty to its founder, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Through strategic media engagement, grassroots mobilization, organizational restructuring, policy advocacy, and deft political maneuvering, Kabanda has transformed the PLU into a cohesive, visible, and influential movement.
His unwavering commitment to Muhoozi’s vision has galvanized supporters, but his confrontational style and alignment with contentious policies pose risks to the PLU’s broader appeal.
Below, I outline five key ways Kabanda has fortified the PLU, grounded in specific achievements, while critically examining the challenges that define his leadership.
1. Dominating Public Discourse Through Media Savvy
Kabanda’s mastery of Uganda’s media landscape has been pivotal in amplifying the PLU’s voice and shaping its public image.
As a frequent guest on Bukedde TV, CBS FM, and NBS TV, he ensures the PLU’s nationalist narrative—centered on Muhoozi’s leadership—reaches millions, from urban youth to rural communities.
His response to a reported suspension from NBS TV’s Barometer talk show in April 2025 was a defining moment. Dismissing the claims, Kabanda declared, “I am a communicator with access to multiple platforms… I don’t rely on NBS alone.”
This rebuttal not only neutralized a potential setback but also reinforced the PLU’s independence from mainstream media, resonating with supporters who view such outlets as biased against their cause.
His handling of Muhoozi’s 2024 X post, which sparked outrage by referencing “beheading” opposition leader Bobi Wine, further showcased his media acumen.
Kabanda reframed the statement as a political metaphor, drawing parallels with opposition rhetoric and citing Article 208 of Uganda’s Constitution, which allows military officers non-partisan commentary.
This strategic defense diffused criticism, rallied PLU supporters, and shifted focus to the opposition’s inconsistencies.
By consistently shaping narratives, Kabanda has ensured the PLU remains a dominant force in public discourse, strengthening its brand as bold and resilient.
2. Mobilizing Grassroots Support with Strategic Demonstrations
Kabanda’s leadership in grassroots mobilization has given the PLU a tangible street presence, critical for its legitimacy as a mass movement.
The February 2025 march to Parliament, where thousands of Muhoozi supporters gathered, was a landmark event demonstrating the PLU’s organizational capacity.
Kabanda, describing it as a “peaceful demonstration,” used the event to counter opposition MPs like Derrick Nyeko and Ssemujju Nganda, who criticized Muhoozi’s political ambitions.
His warning of further demonstrations “at all costs” to protect Muhoozi’s image energized supporters, particularly youth, who view the PLU as a counterforce to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
As MP for Kasambya County, Kabanda has leveraged his constituency work to deepen the PLU’s grassroots appeal. His January 2025 call for a manual voter register update, citing technological failures in the 2016 and 2021 elections, addressed a practical concern that resonates with voters frustrated by electoral inefficiencies.
By tying this to the PLU’s reformist agenda, he has built loyalty in rural areas. A July 2024 X post from a supporter visiting the Naguru head office praised Kabanda’s “commitment and dedication,” highlighting his personal connection to the rank-and-file.
These efforts have expanded the PLU’s membership and ensured its grassroots network is active and devoted.
3. Building a Robust Organization Through Structural Reforms
Behind the public spectacles, Kabanda’s administrative leadership has transformed the PLU into a disciplined, sustainable institution.
The 2024 transition from the loosely organized MK Movement to a registered political entity required significant logistical reforms.
As Secretary General, Kabanda has overseen the establishment of regional offices, streamlined membership drives, and formalized the PLU’s hierarchy, enabling it to execute large-scale events like the February 2025 march with precision.
His hands-on approach, described in the July 2024 X post as “challenging yet exemplary,” has created a functional headquarters at Naguru, where supporters engage directly with leadership.
Kabanda’s loyalty to Muhoozi has been a unifying force, preventing factionalism—a common challenge for new movements.
His public defenses, from social media controversies to parliamentary critiques, have reinforced Muhoozi’s centrality, fostering cohesion among supporters.
This loyalty-driven structure has allowed the PLU to project strength, even as it navigates its relationship with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
By balancing operational efficiency with ideological unity, Kabanda has ensured the PLU is a lasting political force, not a transient phenomenon.
4. Articulating a Policy Vision to Define PLU’s Identity
Kabanda has strengthened the PLU by giving it a substantive ideological footprint through policy advocacy.
His February 2025 defense of the proposed UPDF Act amendment, which would formalize the Court Martial as a judicial division, positioned the PLU as a champion of national security.
Critiquing the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Court Martial’s jurisdiction over civilians, he argued it was vital for stability, appealing to supporters who prioritize order over liberal democratic critiques.
This stance aligned the PLU with the NRM’s security-focused agenda while carving out a distinct nationalist identity.
His advocacy for electoral reforms further demonstrates his ability to address governance concerns.
In January 2025, Kabanda called for a manual voter register update, citing the 2021 elections, where manual systems proved reliable when technology failed.
This pragmatic proposal highlighted his grasp of electoral logistics and positioned the PLU as a constructive voice in institutional reform debates.
By grounding the PLU’s agenda in policy, Kabanda has elevated it beyond a personality-driven movement, appealing to voters seeking systemic change.
5. Navigating Political Alliances and Confronting Adversaries
Kabanda’s political acumen has been crucial in positioning the PLU as both a complement to and a distinct entity from the NRM.
As an NRM MP, he has aligned the PLU with the ruling party’s goals, particularly on security and electoral reforms, without fully subsuming it under the NRM’s umbrella.
This strategic alignment allows the PLU to attract NRM supporters while appealing to disillusioned voters seeking a nationalist alternative.
His defense of Muhoozi’s political ambitions, particularly against opposition claims of dynastic succession, has kept the PLU’s aspirations distinct yet compatible with the NRM’s dominance.
Simultaneously, Kabanda’s confrontational stance against opposition figures has sharpened the PLU’s identity as a counterforce to the NUP and other critics.
His dismissal of opposition MPs’ attacks during the February 2025 march as “malice” framed the PLU as a defender of Uganda’s sovereignty.
This us-versus-them narrative has mobilized the PLU’s base, particularly among youth who view the opposition as divisive.
However, it risks alienating moderate voters who may see the PLU’s rhetoric as overly aggressive.
Challenges: Balancing Boldness with Broad Appeal
Kabanda’s achievements are tempered by significant risks. His defense of Muhoozi’s inflammatory rhetoric, such as the “behead Bobi Wine” post, solidifies the PLU’s core base but alienates voters wary of militaristic undertones.
Criticism from human rights groups and opposition leaders, who argue such statements undermine democratic norms, underscores the need for a more tempered approach.
Similarly, his support for the Court Martial’s expanded role has drawn backlash for eroding judicial independence, potentially limiting the PLU’s appeal amid growing demands for democratic accountability.
Kabanda’s confrontational media tactics, while effective for rallying supporters, have strained relations with mainstream outlets.
The April 2025 clash with NBS TV’s CEO, Kin Kariisa, over editorial decisions highlighted his willingness to challenge gatekeepers but risked isolating the PLU from broader audiences.
To expand its reach, Kabanda must complement his combative style with inclusive strategies, such as town halls or policy forums, to engage undecided voters.
The PLU’s reliance on Muhoozi’s persona, reinforced by Kabanda’s loyalty, poses a structural challenge.
While this has unified the organization, it limits its ability to develop a broader leadership cadre or appeal to voters skeptical of dynastic politics.
The perception of the PLU as a vehicle for Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions, especially amid debates about President Museveni’s succession, could alienate key demographics.
Kabanda’s challenge is to institutionalize the PLU’s structures and ideology, ensuring its resilience beyond Muhoozi’s personal brand.
A Defining Force in Uganda’s Political Future
Hon. David Kabanda has profoundly elevated the Patriotic League of Uganda, transforming it into a cohesive, visible, and ideologically driven movement.
His media dominance, grassroots mobilization, organizational reforms, policy advocacy, and political maneuvering have solidified the PLU’s stature.
Achievements like the February 2025 march, his electoral reform proposals, and his deft handling of controversies underscore his impact.
Yet, his confrontational style, alignment with divisive policies, and reliance on Muhoozi’s charisma risk limiting the PLU’s broader appeal.
To sustain its growth, Kabanda must balance loyalty with pragmatism, engaging moderate voters and institutionalizing the PLU’s structures.
His leadership reflects the promise and perils of building a movement in a polarized era.
As Uganda navigates its political future, Kabanda’s role as Secretary General will remain pivotal in shaping the PLU’s legacy and influence.