Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has predicted a possible decline in Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire’s political influence, claiming that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is prepared to challenge him politically.
Speaking on lawyer Telly Kahuma’s podcast, Mwenda argued that Otafiire could struggle against candidates backed by PLU in Greater Bushenyi, his home region.
Mwenda also recounted a meeting at Gen Salim Saleh’s base in Kapeeka, reportedly organised to ease tensions between Otafiire and Muhoozi. He claimed that the meeting failed to resolve their differences.
According to Mwenda, Otafiire arrived late and defended his position instead of apologising. Mwenda said his own confrontation with the minister over his attitude towards Muhoozi damaged their longstanding friendship.
The journalist cited the 2016 Ruhinda parliamentary election, in which Capt Donozio Kahonda defeated Otafiire, arguing that the result demonstrated the minister’s electoral vulnerability. He also mentioned former minister Elioda Tumwesigye as a potential political figure in the region.
Mwenda further alleged that Otafiire’s longstanding relationship with President Yoweri Museveni had helped protect his political position over the years. He linked the relationship to their shared history in the FRONASA struggle during the 1970s.
The journalist also raised allegations concerning a land dispute involving businessman Hamdan Khan in Munyonyo. Mwenda claimed he intervened following Khan’s arrest and alleged that security operatives attempted to rearrest him after he was granted bail. These claims were not independently verified in the information provided.
Mwenda concluded that PLU could challenge Otafiire’s parliamentary position and potentially push for his removal from Cabinet, suggesting Tumwesigye as a possible replacement. However, these remain Mwenda’s claims and predictions, and no response from Otafiire was included in the information provided.
