Busoga leaders unite behind Kadaga in heated NRM CEC race
He further pledged to mobilize nationwide support for Kadaga, citing her as a vital voice for women’s empowerment, regional inclusion, and party cohesion.
Jinja: Political temperatures within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continue to soar ahead of the August 2025 Delegates’ Conference, with the race for Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) emerging as a major battleground.
In a show of solidarity, top leaders from Busoga sub-region have publicly declared their unwavering support for Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the current office bearer.
At a high-level meeting held today at the Civil Service College in Jinja City, a broad coalition of NRM stakeholders ranging from Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, LC5 leaders, youth and women leagues, to Special Interest Groups (SIGs) such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) rallied behind Kadaga, vowing to retain her influence on the party’s top organ.
The gathering was spearheaded by Hon. Steven Kisa Bakubalwayo, MP for Luuka South, who read a joint statement affirming Kadaga’s historic contributions to both the NRM and Uganda.
“Rt. Hon. Kadaga has been a pillar for many across the country and especially in Busoga. She has served diligently in several key positions. We are gathered here today to reaffirm our support and rally behind her to retain her seat on the CEC,” Hon. Kisa declared.
He further pledged to mobilize nationwide support for Kadaga, citing her as a vital voice for women’s empowerment, regional inclusion, and party cohesion.
Other legislators echoed similar sentiments. Hon. John Tailor, MP for Bugabula North, questioned the rationale behind challenging Kadaga’s candidature:
“I don’t know where some people get the audacity to contest against Mama Kadaga, who is a well-established figure in the NRM,” he remarked.
Hon. Martin Mugabi Muzaale, Buzaaya County MP, decried internal divisions within Busoga, warning that infighting could weaken the region’s voice in national politics:
“While other regions are throwing their weight behind Kadaga, we still have disgruntled voices within our own backyard. Kadaga is a brand—Busoga needs Kadaga, and Kadaga needs Busoga,” he said.
Bazanya Mathias, the newly elected NRM Chairperson for Kamuli District and aspiring MP for Bugabula South, pledged to mobilize his base, while Mayuge LC5 Chairman and Governor of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, assured full support from both political and developmental stakeholders.
The race for the CEC seat has boiled down to a two-horse contest between Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga, former Speaker of Parliament and current NRM Vice Chairperson (Female), and Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among Magogo, the current Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea District Woman MP.
This fierce rivalry has already polarized communities in Busoga, giving rise to rival factions: “Team Mama” (for Kadaga) and “Team Mulamu” (for Among), highlighting deep-rooted loyalties and emerging power struggles.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this contest could significantly alter both regional power dynamics and national-level party structures, as both women command substantial influence and grassroots support.
As the August Delegates’ Conference nears, all eyes are on Busoga, where the NRM’s internal politics have become a mirror for the broader struggles between legacy, loyalty, and ambition at the heart of Uganda’s ruling party.
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