By Ben Musanje
Kasambya County Member of Parliament David Kabanda has found himself at the heart of a growing political storm after former Rubaga Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner Herbert Anderson Burora publicly defended him and accused some actors within the Patriotic League of Uganda of using “foot soldiers” to fight his rise.
In a strongly worded post on X, Burora claimed that the constant attacks on Kabanda, who also serves as Secretary General of PLU, are not just normal criticism from the public. He argued that there is a deliberate effort by certain individuals to block Kabanda from being considered for a ministerial position in government. According to Burora, these attacks are being carried out by people he described as “foot soldiers” who are working to damage Kabanda’s image and reduce his chances of getting the job.
The post quickly drew attention and triggered a wave of reactions, turning social media into a heated arena of debate, with supporters and critics clashing over the claims.
Kakensa Uganda responded almost immediately, rejecting Burora’s statement and warning against the idea that everyone who criticizes leaders is being used or paid. He reminded Burora of a time he personally stood with him during his arrest, which had been ordered by Permanent Secretary to Judiciary Pius Bigirimana, saying that some people act out of principle, not because they are sent by anyone.
Kakensa did not stop at that. He also turned his criticism toward Kabanda, saying it was wrong for him to insult supporters and to handle internal issues publicly instead of resolving them quietly. He made it clear that even if Kabanda becomes a minister, he will still be held accountable whenever he goes wrong.
Burora responded by standing his ground. He agreed that wrong actions should be called out but questioned why such matters were being taken to social media instead of being handled internally by senior leaders in PLU. He suggested that elders within the movement could have guided and counseled Kabanda without exposing the situation to the public.
However, Kakensa pushed back again, questioning whether Kabanda is someone who can easily be advised, hinting that internal efforts may not work with him.
As the exchange continued, more voices joined the discussion, each adding a different view to the already tense situation.
Joseph Rukara spoke about leadership, saying that it requires maturity and discipline. He warned that without these qualities, even those who rise to high positions may not last long in leadership. His comments suggested that the issue around Kabanda goes beyond attacks and touches on how leaders conduct themselves.
Sylvia offered a different perspective, saying that the ongoing attacks might actually be helping Kabanda instead of hurting him. She pointed out that Kabanda has shown strong loyalty to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and argued that fighting him publicly could increase his visibility and support.
Fred Shaka strongly disagreed with Burora’s claims, dismissing the idea of “foot soldiers” and insisting that the Patriotic League of Uganda is made up of patriotic cadres, not hired individuals sent to attack others. His response showed frustration with how the movement was being portrayed.
George Muhimbise also questioned Burora’s argument, asking how online attacks could stop someone from becoming a minister if those in charge of appointments already trust him. He defended the public’s right to question leaders and said criticism should not automatically be seen as a planned attack.
Godfrey K Twahirwa added his voice, referring to ongoing discussions and guidance on how members should handle such situations, while also pointing out that public fights like this can damage the image of the movement.
As the debate grew louder and more divided, attention turned to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, whose earlier comments had fueled talk about Kabanda’s possible appointment.
In a separate statement, Muhoozi stepped in to address one of the main issues causing tension. He clearly stated that PLU does not have “foot soldiers” as claimed by Burora. Instead, he explained that the organization is made up of what he called patriotic officers and patriotic cadres.
His clarification was seen as an attempt to calm the situation and correct the narrative, but by that time, the discussion had already exposed deep divisions and strong emotions within the movement.
What started as Burora’s effort to defend David Kabanda quickly turned into a major public argument, revealing disagreements over loyalty, leadership, and how political issues should be handled. The situation has shown how quickly internal matters can become public battles, especially in a time when social media gives everyone a voice. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
