By Our Reporter
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has officially declared her readiness to defend her position as the First National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her declaration comes amid mounting internal party competition and a growing regional campaign to safeguard Busoga’s political relevance within the NRM’s top leadership.
Ms Kadaga, who also serves as the Woman MP for Kamuli District, reaffirmed her commitment to CEC following her unopposed election as Publicity Secretary for Busobya Zone in Mbulamuti Sub-county.
“I am ready for CEC, and the journey has started because we have unfinished party business that requires continuity and sustainability. I’m confident I will retain my seat,” Kadaga said.
The former Speaker of the 9th and 10th Parliament used the occasion to underscore her long-standing connection with grassroots voters, emphasizing that her political strength stems from their continued trust and support.
“I have been their voice, mouthpiece, and loudspeaker. They have renewed their mandate for me to speak on their behalf across all levels of leadership. This trust is sacred—I will not sacrifice it, nor will I betray it,” she vowed.
As competition within the NRM intensifies, Kadaga faces an emerging challenge from current Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who has reportedly expressed interest in replacing her on the party’s top organ. The development has stirred political tensions in Busoga, with leaders and constituents urging the region to rally behind Kadaga as a matter of regional equity and survival.
The growing sentiment has birthed a grassroots campaign under the slogan “No Kadaga, No Vote”, warning political aspirants in Busoga who do not support her re-election that they risk losing voter support in their respective races.
Kadaga has framed her re-election bid around substantive policy priorities. She highlighted youth unemployment, exacerbated by the liberalisation of education, as a major issue her next term on the CEC will seek to address. She called for job creation through investment in infrastructure, mentorship, and equitable economic programs.
“Our biggest challenge is unemployment among graduates. We must develop the necessary infrastructure and policies to absorb this skilled labour force,” she said.
Kadaga also reiterated her commitment to unlocking economic growth in Busoga, particularly through long-standing infrastructure projects such as the Amber Court–Bukungu road, a 150-kilometre stretch she has campaigned for over four decades.
“That road is not just tarmac—it is an economic corridor from Jinja to Buyende. Its completion would transform the region’s connectivity and productivity,” she said.
As the NRM prepares for a critical round of internal elections, the battle for the First National Vice Chair (Female) seat is shaping up as a defining moment—not just for the party’s future, but for regional balance, political loyalty, and generational influence within Uganda’s dominant political force.
