The landscape of Ugandan politics is delicate and deeply intricate. That complexity often fuels an aggressive pursuit of political power and public relevance, a contest that can drive some actors to reckless and unethical tactics.
These include disparaging rivals—or those perceived as rivals—as a shortcut to personal elevation. The recent verbal attack by Hon. David Kabanda on Minister Chris Baryomunsi, his senior both in age and within the NRM party hierarchy, has reignited debate about the dangers of attempting to pull others down in order to lift one’s own political stock.
One is left wondering what Hon. Kabanda hoped to achieve by publicly attempting to “put in place” a senior minister. How does humiliating a colleague, especially one from the same political house, serve the public interest or even his own long-term ambitions?
This episode stands as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritising personal ambition over collective discipline and political maturity. Whatever happened to the wisdom that dirty linen should not be washed in public?
It also raises uncomfortable questions about the content and seriousness of parliamentary orientation programmes. The principles at issue here—restraint, respect for colleagues, and responsible public conduct—should be basic knowledge for any senior Member of Parliament.
Hon. Kabanda is not a novice. Beyond Parliament, he is a senior official within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), an organisation that presents itself as a force for restoring sanity and order to Uganda’s political culture. Against that backdrop, his remarks invite scrutiny. Is this the political tone that PLU claims to champion? Is this what Ugandans should expect more of going forward?
Kabanda accused Dr Baryomunsi of opportunism and resorted to personal jabs that did little to advance substantive political debate.
Predictably, the fallout was swift. Social media erupted with both applause and condemnation, reflecting a deeply divided public. That division is hardly surprising in a political environment where ethical standards in public discourse remain uneven, and where many are jostling for visibility and favour from the same centres of power.
Ironically, the charge of “opportunism” rings hollow in a political context where nearly everyone is, in one way or another, seeking opportunity—whether to advance careers, secure livelihoods, or provide for those who depend on them. The real issue is not ambition itself, but how that ambition is pursued.
This incident also highlights a broader and troubling trend in Ugandan politics: the dominance of personal vendettas over serious policy engagement. It is particularly disappointing given that the electoral season is largely behind us, and both Kabanda and Baryomunsi belong to a party preparing to form government again. With the NRM flag bearer set to be sworn in come May, why the urge to undermine colleagues within the same political household?
As Uganda’s political climate continues to evolve, and as attention quietly turns to the composition of the 2026 Cabinet—widely expected to be younger and more competitive—the temptation to engage in attention-seeking behaviour will only grow.
Kabanda’s attack on Baryomunsi serves as a reminder that such tactics can be counterproductive. President Museveni has increasingly shown discernment in evaluating political actors, and the ability to engage respectfully, even amid disagreement, may prove decisive for those with future leadership ambitions. This episode bears the marks of someone seeking attention—but from whom, and at what cost, remains unclear.
In the end, Kabanda’s online attack on Dr Chris Baryomunsi illustrates the precarious balance politicians must strike in their pursuit of power. Criticism, when grounded in substance and policy, can expose weaknesses and drive reform.
Personal attacks, however, breed division and distract from the real issues affecting Ugandans. If the country is to move forward, political actors must shift from tearing each other down to lifting the national conversation up.
Only then can meaningful progress, innovation, and public trust take root for the benefit of all Ugandans.