KAMPALA — A senior official of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has called for a report into allegations that former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo shot and killed a suspected criminal near Kampala Parents School in 2004, reviving a two-decade-old controversy after Opondo questioned President Yoweri Museveni’s reported preference for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as his successor.
David Kabanda, the Kasambya County member of Parliament and executive secretary of the Office of the National Chairman of the PLU, called for the investigation report in a post on X.
“We need a report,” Kabanda wrote, accompanying his message with a screenshot of a September 2004 Daily Monitor newspaper clipping.
The clipping reported that then-Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi had directed an investigation into allegations that Opondo had shot dead a suspected criminal near Kampala Parents School, where he had reportedly taken his daughter.
Kabanda’s demand has brought renewed attention to the alleged shooting, which was reported in the press at the time but has resurfaced amid a growing debate within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) over Museveni’s succession.
The PLU is chaired by Muhoozi, the president’s son and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
Ofwono Opondo challenges Museveni’s succession preference
The controversy resurfaced after Opondo, a veteran NRM politician and Eastern Region representative for older persons, appeared on Capital FM Uganda’s Saturday political programme, The Capital Gang, where he questioned whether Museveni’s reported preference for Muhoozi should automatically determine the country’s political succession.
“The President can have his wish, but must his wish prevail? You Ugandans, wake up! If he has brought the discussion on succession and transition, let us engage,” Opondo said.
His remarks followed reports that Museveni had presented a succession paper to the NRM Central Executive Committee discussing Muhoozi as a potential successor ahead of the 2031 elections.
Ofwono Opondo, who sits on the NRM National Executive Committee and the party’s Elders’ League, argued that the succession debate should extend beyond senior party officials.
He has also criticised the wave of endorsements for Muhoozi through the PLU, previously describing the rush as a “vote of no confidence” in Museveni so soon after the 2026 election.
The former government spokesperson has argued that any successor should demonstrate greater tolerance and dialogue rather than rely on what he has described as “crude power.”
His comments have drawn reactions from figures associated with the PLU, including Kabanda, whose post shifted the discussion from succession politics to Opondo’s reported involvement in the 2004 shooting.
What the 2004 report said
The Daily Monitor clipping shared by Kabanda refers to an incident reported on September 13, 2004, in which Ofwono Opondo was alleged to have shot dead a suspected car robber near Kampala Parents School.
Ofwono Opondo allegedly shot and killed a man named Geoffrey Lubega outside Kampala Parents School on September 13, 2004.
Reports at the time claim that Ofwono Opondo was dropping off his child at the school when suspects attempting to vandalize a car or steal vehicle spare parts crashed their getaway vehicle into a ditch.
Official statements later presented to Parliament by Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda indicate that Ofwono Opondo drew his pistol and shot Lubega in self-defense after the suspects began shooting sporadically and endangering lives at the scene.
Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi ordered a probe into the shooting, and police at Kiira Road summoned Opondo to record a statement. The government later maintained that the action was taken in self-defense, though the incident has continued to be referenced in Ugandan public and political debates.
Kabanda’s demand for a report has therefore revived questions about whether investigators completed their inquiry and what conclusions, if any, were reached.
A succession debate increasingly playing out in public
The exchange reflects growing tensions within the ruling party over the question of who should succeed Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986.
The reported succession paper, Muhoozi’s mobilisation through the PLU and endorsements by senior government officials have brought the issue into public discussion, even as Museveni has not publicly confirmed a formal succession plan.
Ofwono Opondo’s recent appearances on The Capital Gang have provided a platform for a long-serving NRM figure to question the direction of the transition debate.
He has also challenged security-related claims involving retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu.
The latest exchange has demonstrated how the succession debate is increasingly being fought not only over political endorsements but also through the revival of past controversies involving prominent figures.
For now, Kabanda’s demand has put the focus on at least two unanswered questions: what became of the investigation into the 2004 shooting allegation? And must PLU look at those who oppose Muhoozi as enemies whose past actions should now be investigated?
Meanwhile, as part of strengthening his influence, Gen Muhoozi has announced that his PLU group will vet all new RDCs, a move likely to benefit PLU cadres. Muhoozi has also announced new plans following Museveni’s succession paper. (See Details Here and There).
