MP David Kabanda Nicknamed Judas Iscariot after Muhoozi U-turn on Supporting Anita Among

Kasambya MP David Kabanda has come under sharp criticism and been branded “Judas Iscariot” by sections of political actors following a dramatic reversal in position by Muhoozi Kainerugaba on the Speakership of Parliament. The attacks stem from a statement Kabanda issued in his capacity as Secretary General of Gen Muhoozi’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), announcing a withdrawal of earlier support for Speaker Anita Among.

In the statement, Kabanda conveyed Muhoozi’s directive that an earlier endorsement—backing Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker—had been “retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.”

The communication further instructed PLU-leaning MPs to instead support candidates to be presented by President Yoweri Museveni, signaling a clear shift from the League’s previous position.

The abrupt U-turn has triggered backlash within political and social circles, with critics accusing Kabanda of fronting a reversal that contradicts the earlier March 11 directive. It is this perceived inconsistency that has earned him the label “Judas Iscariot”—a reference to Judas Iscariot—used to suggest betrayal of a previously declared stance and of allies who had aligned themselves with the initial endorsement.

Kabanda’s critics further point to his recent political posture as a staunch and vocal defender of Anita Among, often speaking in ways that signaled closeness and alignment with her leadership. It is this history that has amplified the backlash, with detractors arguing that his role in communicating the withdrawal of support from a figure he had publicly backed—and appeared politically aligned with—amounts to a personal and political betrayal, rather than merely an institutional shift.

However, Kabanda’s defenders argue that he was merely executing instructions from the PLU chairman and cannot be faulted for communicating a change in strategy. They point to the statement itself, which emphasizes that members of the League “follow the command, instructions and guidance” of Muhoozi at all times, framing the shift as a matter of organizational discipline rather than personal duplicity.

In interviews on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, Kabanda said it was not wise for some people to want to attack a messenger whose role was just to deliver a communication by Muhoozi.

Kabanda argued that Anita Among would have read the same communication about him if it came as an order from the president or the first son.

He insisted that Anita Among was still his friend and that he planned to visit her even after making the controversial communication.

The episode has exposed underlying tensions within the PLU-aligned political bloc, raising questions about coherence and decision-making as the race for Speaker and Deputy Speaker intensifies. Political observers note that such public reversals—especially when communicated formally and then quickly withdrawn—can create confusion among supporters and open space for political opponents to exploit divisions.

Meanwhile, the race for Speaker is increasingly shaping up as a contest between incumbent Anita Among and Norbert Mao, who has emerged as a notable contender. Among, who has held the position since 2022, is seeking to retain the seat amid both internal ruling party dynamics and external political pressure.

Among’s bid is anchored on her experience and her network within Parliament, where she has cultivated support across different factions. However, her candidacy has also faced scrutiny, with critics pointing to controversies and governance concerns that opponents argue weaken her claim for another term at the helm of the House.

On the other hand, Mao’s entry into the race introduces a different dynamic, given his background as president of the Democratic Party and his cooperation agreement with the ruling establishment. His supporters argue that he represents a bridge between opposition and government, positioning himself as a consensus candidate capable of steering Parliament with a broader national outlook.

The unfolding contest between Among and Mao is expected to test political alliances within Parliament, particularly as President Yoweri Museveni is anticipated to play a decisive role in guiding the ruling party’s final position. With shifting endorsements and internal recalibrations such as the PLU’s latest directive, the Speakership race remains fluid and highly contested.

Meanwhile, Museveni has reportedly summoned Anita Among to State House in a meeting that could decide Among’s political future, given her recent troubles over the Rolls Royce scandal. (See Details Here and There).

Relatedly, the IGG has been petitioned to investigate where Anita Among gets her money from and to release her wealth declaration details. (See Details Here and There).