By Our Reporter
Our political desk can confirm that Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has defeated Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga to clinch the seat of 2nd Vice Chairperson (Female) NRM CEC, after securing the majority of votes at the ongoing delegates’ elections at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The official declaration is expected shortly from NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi.
In a surprising development, Capt. Mike Mukula officially withdrew from the race, effectively clearing the path for Hon. Calvin Echodu as the likely NRM CEC Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region.
Meanwhile, Kiwanda Suubi, the self-styled “number four” of NRM, and Hakim Kyeswa also bowed out, leaving Minister of State for Microfinance and Small Enterprises, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, to face off against Mr. Moses Kalisa Karangwa from Kayunga in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) contest.
The contest between Speaker Among and Minister Kadaga was highly charged, with both candidates vying for influence within the NRM party. Despite Kadaga appealing to President Yoweri Museveni for support, the head of state deferred the final decision to the delegates, allowing party members to cast their votes freely.
Preliminary results indicate a decisive lead for Among. In regions such as Buganda, Teso, and Bugisu, she polled hundreds of votes, while Kadaga trailed significantly, with some regions reporting zero votes in her favor. In Western Uganda alone, Among garnered over 1,500 votes, compared to Kadaga’s 65 votes.
Kadaga, who has served the party for decades, expressed disappointment in her speech to delegates. She raised concerns about voter bribery, alleging that a significant number of delegates received Shs 300,000, tablets, and other incentives to influence their votes.
Observers say Among’s financial resources and extensive political network played a critical role in her victory, highlighting the growing commercialization of politics within the NRM.
Our reporters remain on the ground at Kololo and will continue to provide live updates as official results are announced.
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