Busoga NRM election heats up as Among closes in on Kadaga
Combo: The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Annet Anita Among and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. PHOTOS/ FILE
What you need to know:
- The election has sparked debate, with some suggesting President Museveni's intervention could be crucial
The Friday NRM party elections in Busoga have sparked intense competition, with a clear divide between supporters of former Speaker of Parliament Ms. Rebecca Kadaga and current Speaker Ms Anita Among.
Mr Eric Mbiira Mugabi, Kamuli Municipality NRM party chairperson, rallied behind Kadaga, saying, "We must suspend our differences and as one voice tell the NRM party that we have Mama Kadaga as our political parent."
Ms Kadaga's supporters are determined to protect her legacy, with Geoffrey Dhamuzungu, seeking to recover his Budiope East constituency, declaring, "We can sacrifice anything else but not Mama Kadaga... Anybody against Kadaga is a political outcast, reject."
However, Ms. Among brushed off the criticism, saying, "I have married and rewarded you here in Busoga with twins... Let us not use opportunistic politics. When that time comes, the 'Nalongo' is ready to cook."
In a meeting with Councillors from Kamuli and Buyende electorate, Ms Among further emphasised her connection to Busoga, stating, "I am no longer a foreigner in Busoga, but a daughter-in-law and wife." She dismissed the animosity against her, focusing on her new role in the region.
Budiope East and Budiope West delegates meeting to endorse Speaker Anita Annet Among. Photo | David Oduut
The elections have sparked debate, with some suggesting President Museveni's intervention could be crucial. Busoga social media users believe creating another position could accommodate both Ms Kadaga and Ms Among, resolving the tension.
This comes after Speaker Among announced her interest in contesting for the position of Vice Chairperson (Female) in the National Resistance Movement (NRM), a role currently held by her predecessor, Ms Kadaga.
Ms Kadaga has expressed interest in retaining the seat, setting up a high-stakes battle between the two prominent women in the party. Ms Among's decision is seen as a strategic step to strengthen her influence within the ruling party.
With the NRM Delegates' conference to elect leaders of the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) scheduled for August 22, 2025, the contest is expected to intensify in the coming months.
