David Kabanda, Kasambya County MP and Head of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman’s Office, has reportedly asked President Yoweri Museveni to remove Gen Kahinda Otafiire from Cabinet, warning that his continued stay in government could strain relations between PLU and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to remarks attributed to Kabanda, he would ask Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and PLU leader, to reconsider the organisation’s relationship with the NRM if Otafiire remained in government.
Kabanda reportedly accused Otafiire of failing to recognise the contribution of young people and PLU supporters to the NRM’s electoral success. He also criticised what he portrayed as an excessive emphasis on participation in the Luweero Bush War.
Otafiire is a veteran of the struggle that brought the NRM to power and has served in several government positions, including Minister of Internal Affairs.
However, the reported demand does not mean Museveni intends to dismiss Otafiire. Any decision on Cabinet appointments rests with the President, while the future of the PLU-NRM relationship will depend on the positions taken by their respective leaders.
