As political tension has intensified within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) over the position of the Second National Vice Chairperson (female) on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the current office bearer.
The NRM stakeholders including Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, LC5 leaders, youth and women leagues, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and local opinion leaders had a meeting in Jinja to bounce Kadaga again.
The meeting was chaired by Luuka South parliamentarian Steven Kisa Bakubalwayo to push Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s legacy and her invaluable contribution to the NRM party and country.
“We gather as proud sons and daughters of Busoga to speak with one voice, a voice of truth, unity, gratitude and purpose—a voice to endorse our own, our lioness, our shield, our seasoned leader, the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga for the position of second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the Central Executive Committee of the National Resistance Movement (NRM),” Kisa stated.
Kisa said that Rt. Hon. Kadaga has been a pillar for many across the country and especially in Busoga. She has served diligently in several key positions.
He further pledged to rally nationwide support for Kadaga, highlighting her critical role in promoting women’s empowerment, regional inclusion, and party unity.
Bugabula North Member of Parliament John Tailor questioned the legitimacy of Kadaga’s challengers and said, “I don’t know where some people get the audacity to contest against Mama Kadaga, who is a well-established figure in the NRM.”
Buzaaya County legislator Martin Mugabi Muzaale also voiced concern over internal divisions in Busoga, urging unity behind Kadaga.
“Kadaga is a brand—Busoga needs Kadaga, and Kadaga needs Busoga. We don’t want Busoga to be left out of the CEC ‘cake’,” he said.
Newly elected NRM Chairperson for Kamuli District, Bazanya Mathias—also an aspirant for the Bugabula South parliamentary seat—pledged to mobilize grassroots support for Kadaga.
His remarks were echoed by Mayuge LC5 Chairperson and Governor of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, who assured Kadaga of unwavering support from both political and development circles.
The race for the powerful CEC position has narrowed down to a high-profile face-off between 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among Magogo, the current Speaker of Parliament and Woman MP for Bukedea District.
This contest has already fuelled factionalism within Busoga, giving rise to rival camps dubbed “Team Mama” (Kadaga) and “Team Mulamu” (Among).
