By Our Reporter
In a dramatic twist ahead of the 2025–2030 NRM elections, Buyela Christopher—an aspirant for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region—has reportedly forged a strategic alliance with Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga. The move is sending ripples through the camp of Speaker Anita Annet Among (AAA), with analysts warning it could reshape the region’s political dynamics.
Once hailed as the digital architect behind Among’s meteoric rise, Buyela earned a reputation as her most vocal defender and influential online mobilizer. From 2018 onward, he was instrumental in shaping and amplifying pro-Among narratives, particularly in Eastern Uganda, where her political brand first took root.
But as Among ascended to national leadership, insiders say Buyela was quietly edged out of her inner circle. He eventually transitioned to a national mobilization and training role under the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), marking what many saw as the beginning of a silent but significant rift.
That rift now appears to have widened into an open political realignment. Sources close to Buyela confirm that his newfound alliance with Kadaga is more than a symbolic gesture. “These days, he’s constantly sharing photos of Rt Hon Kadaga on his WhatsApp status. That’s not by accident,” said a political operative familiar with the developments. “The message is clear—he’s made his choice.”
Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, still commands deep loyalty among a large section of the NRM base—particularly in Eastern Uganda. Her partnership with Buyela is being interpreted by many as a tactical move to consolidate discontented grassroots delegates who feel alienated by Among’s growing influence.
Within the AAA camp, concern is reportedly mounting. “Buyela understands the digital battlefield better than anyone currently working with Among,” noted one veteran NRM delegate. “Sidelining him may have been a critical miscalculation.”
Though efforts to reach Buyela for comment were unsuccessful, insiders suggest his comeback, bolstered by Kadaga’s gravitas, could significantly sway the delegate vote. Disillusionment among NRM mobilizers in the East—many of whom still view Buyela as a trusted figure—may give this alliance the momentum it needs.
Political observers now say the AAA camp must move swiftly and strategically to contain the fallout. With Buyela’s grassroots appeal, digital savvy, and Kadaga’s enduring stature within the party, this alliance could prove to be a game-changer in the contest for Eastern Region’s NRM leadership.
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