Kasambya County Member of Parliament Daudi Kabanda has described President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the foundation of his political journey, saying the two leaders have played a central role in shaping his career and influence.

Kabanda, who is also the former secretary general of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), said his political strength comes from what he referred to as a “source”, comparing the support he receives from Museveni and Muhoozi to the place where a river begins before flowing.

“There is what they call a source. The source where the river starts to flow. Now, my source is with Gen Muhoozi and President Museveni. Without them, I am finished,” Kabanda said during an interview.

The legislator explained that his reference to a source was not about a physical location but rather the people and relationships that have provided him with opportunities, guidance and political backing throughout his journey.

Kabanda’s comments reflect the close relationship he has maintained with the First Family, whom he credits for helping him rise from a young political activist to a Member of Parliament representing Kasambya County.

The journey began in 2011 when Kabanda was elected chairman of the Youth Council of Sembabule District and later served as secretary for publicity of the NRM Youth League.

At the time, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) was experiencing internal disagreements, especially following tensions between former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and President Museveni over the direction of the party.

Kabanda chose to support President Museveni during the political contest and became involved in efforts aimed at strengthening Museveni’s position within the NRM Youth League.

He attempted to organise a meeting that sought to remove youth leaders who were considered supportive of Mbabazi, although the meeting did not eventually take place.

Kabanda said his decision to stand with Museveni during that period became a turning point in his political life, bringing him closer to the party leadership and opening new opportunities.

He explained that the support he received later transformed his personal life, allowing him to move from Sembabule to Kampala and gain greater visibility within political circles.

According to Kabanda, President Museveni was instrumental in his development, providing him with resources that helped him establish himself politically.

“Who made me? The person who has made me, who gave me my first car, a Toyota Prado TX, an office in Kampala and money in cash was President Museveni,” Kabanda said.

He added that Museveni’s support enabled him to build a house for his mother when he was still young, describing the assistance as a major milestone in his life.

When he decided to contest for Parliament in the 2021 elections, Kabanda said he carefully considered whether to run in Lwemiyaga County in Sembabule or Kasambya County in Mubende.

He eventually chose Kasambya, saying he believed he had better chances of winning there compared to facing strong competition from established politicians in Lwemiyaga.

Kabanda said his campaign received support from President Museveni, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and former NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba.

He revealed that he first met Gen Muhoozi at Serena Conference Centre and that the army commander continued offering both moral and material support throughout his journey to Parliament.

Since joining Parliament, Kabanda has become one of the outspoken defenders of President Museveni and Gen Muhoozi, often engaging critics whom he believes are attacking the two leaders.

He said some of the political battles he fights are aimed at protecting the people he considers responsible for his success, describing attacks against them as attempts to weaken his own foundation.

“The people you have seen me fighting with sometimes try to antagonise my source of power,” Kabanda said.

Kabanda compared protecting his political source to how countries protect the origin of the River Nile, saying those who depend on a source must work hard to preserve it because their survival is connected to it.