David Kabanda better known as Daudi Kabanda has become one of the most recognisable and talked-about politician in Uganda today. you simply cannot ignore him.
David Kabanda was born on 16 April 1990 in Kasambya, a town in Mubende District, though his roots stretch back to the Ankole region of Western Uganda. A proud Munyankole, grew up far from the corridors of political power — and far from the conventional path that most politicians walk.
However as a school dropout, Kabanda was introduced to the political scene by Hon. Sam Kutesa, who recognised him while he was working as a political commentator on Mbabule FM. It was behind that microphone — debating, arguing, and dissecting Ugandan politics with raw passion — that Kabanda found his voice and his calling.
He joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 2013 and became a very loyal leader under the party while still active in Kasambya County. By the age of 20, he had already won a seat on the National Youth Council — a sign that his political grind had started long before most of his peers had figured out their direction.
When Louis Mbwatekamwa Gaffa stepped down as MP for Kasambya, Kabanda saw his chance. He ran for Parliament in 2021 and won big — securing 26,378 votes. It was a commanding victory for a man who had built his political brand not through academic credentials or corporate connections, but through sheer presence and relatability.
Today, Kabanda serves as Member of Parliament for Kasambya County and as General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) — a pressure group that has become a significant force in Uganda’s political arena. The PLU is led by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Museveni, and pledges allegiance to President Museveni, who also chairs the NRM party.
His ties to the PLU have only raised his national profile further. When his position as General Secretary came under internal challenge, Muhoozi Kainerugaba personally intervened publicly, stating: “I am the one who appointed Hon. Kabanda as General Secretary of PLU. I know why I did that. Those who fight him are fighting our Movement.” It was a remarkable public endorsement that underscored just how close Kabanda sits to the inner circle of Uganda’s ruling establishment.
He speaks bluntly, tweets freely, and rarely pauses to calculate the diplomatic cost of his words.
In 2022, he alleged that Resident District Commissioners paid UGX 20 million bribes to retain their positions — a claim that drew a sharp rebuke from the Minister for the Presidency. He has feuded publicly on social media with comedians and public figures alike, never backing down and rarely walking back his words.
Kabanda’s ambitions remain firmly forward-looking. In NRM party primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections, he secured an overwhelming 74.2% of the total votes cast in Kasambya County, polling 36,429 votes — far ahead of his closest rival.
His campaign focused on improving health infrastructure, expanding agricultural support for farmers, and enhancing education outcomes in rural schools. Speaking after his primary victory, he said:“This resounding victory shows the people are ready for renewed leadership that listens and acts. I am humbled and I commit to be your servant.”
Most recently, Kabanda found himself at the centre of political controversy in May 2026, when the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) reversed its earlier endorsement of Speaker Anita Among’s bid for re-election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament — directing PLU-aligned MPs-elect to instead support candidates aligned with President Museveni’s position. The reversal drew sharp criticism and accusations of political inconsistency from Among’s supporters — yet another storm that Kabanda appears content to weather.
And yet, here he is — a two-term MP, Secretary General of one of Uganda’s most talked-about political organisations, and a figure whose name regularly dominates political conversation in Kampala and beyond.
David Kabanda, the Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), publicly declared that President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba have officially endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth as the next Speaker of Parliament. He delivered this statement in Oboth-Oboth’s presence.
“I want to inform you, your family and the Members of Parliament who are here that you are going to be the next Speaker of the 12th Parliament. This message has come from my chairman of PLU, and he instructed me to inform you that it has been endorsed by His Excellency the President,” Kabanda said.
The statement comes amid growing political activity and speculation surrounding the race for Speaker ahead of the parliamentary election slated for May 25.
The developments also emerged alongside reports of security searches at the residences of outgoing Speaker Anita Among in Kololo and Kigo, further fueling debate over the leadership contest within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In his response, Oboth-Oboth appeared receptive to the endorsement, saying he would not reject the responsibility if entrusted with it.
“According to what I am hearing from speakers here, who am I to decline?” Oboth-Oboth said.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted more than 200 elected NRM and independent Members of Parliament, party supporters and senior officials.
Among the notable figures in attendance were NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Tanga Odoi, State Minister Haruna Kasolo, businessman David Echodu and former NRM deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja.
The race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has generated intense political debate with former Minister for Justice, Norbert Mao at first being in close contest against Among.
However, tables turned when in a meeting held at Entebbe, it was reported that Among was asked to withdraw from the race.
Among, who replaced the late Jacob Oulanyah in 2022, has faced mounting political pressure amid allegations of corruption, abuse of office and accusations linked to extravagant spending.
On Saturday, security led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate searched Among’s home in Nakasero, a leafy Kampala suburb for what many have described as evidence linking her to corruption.
