When you think of Ugandan politicians, you might imagine long academic resumes and formal suits—but David Kabanda, also known as Daudi Kabanda, breaks that mold. He’s raw, outspoken, controversial, and driven by pure political passion. Love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure—Kabanda’s story is anything but ordinary.
Born in Kasambya, Built for Ankole
Kabanda was born on 16 April 1990 in Kasambya, a town in Mubende District, but his roots stretch back to the Ankole region of Western Uganda. A proud Munyankole, he carries the traits many in the region admire—resilience, loyalty, and a knack for leadership.
No Degree, No Problem
Here’s where things get interesting: Kabanda didn’t finish school. But that didn’t stop him. While most young people were still figuring out life, he found his voice through commentary on Mbabule FM, passionately debating politics. That’s where Hon. Sam Kutesa spotted him and encouraged him to take politics seriously. And take it seriously he did.
“I’ve been a politician ever since I was a child. I didn’t join politics for fame—I joined to make a difference.” – David Kabanda
A Political Hustler at 20
By 2013, Kabanda was already a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and at just 20 years old, he won a seat on the National Youth Council. That alone shows he’s been grinding politically from day one.
When Louis Mbwatekamwa Gaffa stepped down as MP for Kasambya, Kabanda saw his chance. He ran for Parliament in 2021 and won big—26,378 votes. That’s not something small.
Life As an MP: From First-Time Confusion to Finding His Voice
Speaking to NTV Uganda, Kabanda called his first term in Parliament a learning curve. He said many MPs are new and still figuring things out. His advice?
“If you could convince your voters to listen to you, you can definitely catch the Speaker’s eye too.”
Not Just Talk—He’s Got Assets Too
Kabanda may have started with nothing, but he’s doing well now. He owns a UGX 250 million house in Kambaya, which also serves as his family vacation home. His estimated net worth is UGX 518 million, and he brings in UGX 560 million a year from his MP salary and allowances.
He’s also a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, showing he’s thinking beyond borders.
Controversial, Loud, and Unfiltered
If you’ve followed Kabanda on Twitter, you know he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. In 2020, he caused an uproar when he tweeted that Francis Zaake hadn’t been tortured and was just seeking donor sympathy. That rubbed a lot of NUP supporters the wrong way.
Then came the infamous feud with Galaxy FM’s Emeka the comedian. After Kabanda accused the Buganda Kingdom of backing NUP, Emeka fired back. Kabanda’s response?
“I can confidently and authoritatively confirm that NRM paid for all its adverts on CBS and BBS, unlike Hon Kyagulanyi, whose campaign adverts were played for free on the same stations,” he posted.
“You will find me in Ntinda at your girlfriend’s shop since it’s where you spend most of your time attending to her clients….I will revenge on your girlfriend, I know she wants National Female Youth MP 2026.” he replied Emeka after firing back.
The RDC Bribery Claims
Kabanda didn’t stop there. In 2022, he shook the table again when he claimed that Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) paid UGX 20 million bribes to stay in office. The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, didn’t take it lightly—she fired back, calling Kabanda a tool of the “mafia.”
Still, Kabanda didn’t flinch.
Politics and a Public Love Life?
In one of his most eyebrow-raising tweets, Kabanda publicly declared love for Doreen Nyanjura, a firebrand from the opposition.
“I love her and it’s the beginning of everything,” he tweeted alongside her photo.
But Doreen wasn’t having it. She responded, saying she missed the tweet and joked that it might be a case of falling for the wrong person.
”I had missed this, have been busy with the struggle. Is this what they call when the wrong one loves you?”, she replied.
The Museveni-Mbabazi connection?
Back in 2017, Kabanda’s name showed up on a rumored list of young political operatives President Yoweri Museveni allegedly used to counter Amama Mbabazi’s growing influence. The story goes that Kabanda and others were given cars, offices, and billions in funding to rally the youth through YONASA—a group that backed Museveni but wasn’t tied directly to the NRM.
So, who is David Kabanda?
David Kabanda is a unique character in Ugandan politics. He doesn’t check every box traditionally associated with power—no elite education, no corporate background—but what he lacks in polish, he makes up for in passion and presence.
Whether you love him or can’t stand him, you can’t ignore him.
