Ms Proscovia Kanakutanda Naikoba, (left ), Independent and Ms Rebecca Kadaga, (right)NRM party. Photo/Courtesy
Five women are gearing up to challenge former Speaker and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, whose nearly three-decade tenure in Parliament has been a defining period in the sub-region’s politics.
Ms Kadaga, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of Parliament, has been a dominant force in Kamuli District politics. However, the five women are determined to bring an end to her reign. It is commonly said in Kamuli and Busoga at large that the only way to defeat Kadaga is by blocking her nomination, which has proved difficult given her strong academic credentials and unmatched political experience.
Despite her influence in the sub-region, many young people want to replace her, creating a competitive challenge.
Ms Kadaga has been a Member of Parliament since 1989, with notable achievements in reproductive health advocacy and women’s empowerment. The five women posing a significant challenge to Kadaga’s hold on power include Ms Proscovia Kanakutanda Naikoba, Ms Bridget Babirye (NUP), Ms Deborah Mwesigwa (NRM), Ms Veronica Kagona (NRM), and Ms Noet Nangobi (NRM), among others.
Contenders speak out
Ms Kagona, the State Minister for Youth and ICT in Busoga Kingdom, is determined to unseat Ms Kadaga, citing the need for change after nearly three decades of service.” “She is an icon, but it’s time for her to let the young generation take charge,” Ms Kagona said, emphasising that while Kadaga has performed well, her tenure since 1989 warrants a transition. Ms Kagona, a veteran journalist with Nation Media Group, aims to build upon Ms Kadaga’s legacy, particularly in areas like road networks and healthcare. She assured that she is not being funded by the Busoga Kingdom but is driven by her desire for change as a Kamuli resident.
If defeated in the NRM primaries, Ms Kagona vowes to contest as an Independent, stressing that her decision is not motivated by external backing.
Busoga Kingdom officials are divided, with Ms Kadaga accusing some of working against her despite her key role in installing the current Kyabazinga. Ms Naikoba, a professional teacher, believes Ms Kadaga has occupied the affirmative action seat of Woman MP for too long. “Kadaga should have graduated to a competitive position, allowing younger women to take her place and create space for new leaders to emerge,” she said.
Ms Naikoba’s mission is to “liberate” the affirmative action seat, which she believes has stagnated due to Ms Kadaga’s failure to groom a successor. “Instead of mentoring, Ms Kadaga is closing doors behind her, forcing younger women to take a stand against her,” she said. While acknowledging Ms Kadaga’s achievements, Ms Naikoba claims she has not effectively represented Kamuli since 2021 due to other commitments. “She hasn’t represented Kamuli effectively this term, despite her past efforts. It’s time for her to step down,” she said.
Ms Naikoba, who holds a Master’s degree in Institutional Management and Leadership specialising in policy, is seeking the people’s mandate for the third time, promising to open the seat for younger women. Ms Mwesigwa is challenging Ms Kadaga for the third time. Despite losing in 2016 and 2021, she remains determined to use the parliamentary seat to address pressing issues in Kamuli, including domestic violence. “I will tackle the disturbing trend of domestic violence, particularly cases of women mutilating their husbands’ genitals, which often go unaddressed by politicians,” she said.
Ms Mwesigwa also plans to combat teenage pregnancy, which affects girls’ education, by working with NGOs. “Teenage pregnancy remains a problem in Kamuli because leaders are not prioritising its fight, yet it affects girls’ education,” she said. She intends to address food scarcity by promoting optimal agricultural practices and organising savings and credit cooperative units. She will challenge Ms Kadaga in the NRM primaries, supported by voters who appreciate her past campaign efforts.
Ms Veronica Kagona, NRM party (left) and Ms Noet Nangobi, NRM party. Photo/Courtesy
Ms Nangobi, a 29-year-old District Youth Councillor (NRM), calls for Ms Kadaga to retire so the young generation can take over. “In 2002, she came to our school when I was in Primary Two and said, ‘You people, you’re the next Kadaga, you’re the leader of tomorrow.’ Where is tomorrow?” said Ms Nangobi, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Management. She argues that Ms Kadaga has not improved healthcare in the area, as hospitals remain in a poor state.
Ms Babirye (NUP party), a fresh graduate from Makerere University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, believes Ms Kadaga’s leadership has lasted too long.
“I have grown up knowing that Kadaga is the Woman MP for Kamuli District. People need to see a fresh face and leadership style,” she said. Ms Babirye, contesting for the second time after her 2021 defeat, believes Ms Kadaga has done enough and should give others a chance.
What others say
Ms Salamu Musumba, a member of the FDC Katonga faction, sees no relevance in Ms Kadaga’s continued contesting in Kamuli. “Kadaga has served enough. There is no relevance in her coming to contest again,” she said. However, Mr Asuman Nololo, the Kamuli District Youth Chairperson and a key supporter of Ms Kadaga, dismissed claims that she is fighting to maintain her authority in Busoga, calling them “malicious propaganda”.
“It is an act of ingratitude for these young girls to be manipulated into challenging Mama Kadaga. They have no chance of winning and are merely spoilers. Those behind this move will face consequences. Basoga people will hold them accountable for undermining the region’s interests,” he said. Mr Moses Masooma, the former chairperson for Namasagali Sub-county, attributed Ms Kadaga’s popularity to her strong connection with the electorate.
“Her availability and empathy are key aspects of her leadership. She is known for being accessible to her constituents, meeting them from 7 am to 8 pm, listening to their concerns, and keeping her promises,” he said.
Despite being described as “mean” for not giving cash handouts, Mr Masooma noted that Ms Kadaga has built a loyal following by addressing constituents’ needs. He highlighted her contributions to education, including establishing a Children’s Parliament in 2014 and securing government funds to reconstruct schools.
Ms Bridget Babirye, NUP party (left) and Ms Deborah Mwesigwa, NRM party. Photo/Courtesy
Will Kadaga retain seat?
Despite her impressive track record, Ms Kadaga’s dominance has not gone unchallenged. In 2021, she lost the speakership to Jacob Oulanyah, and reports suggest internal power struggles within the NRM party. As 2026 approaches, the question remains: Will Kadaga’s experience and influence secure her another term, or will one of her challengers succeed in ending her tenure? Only time will tell.
WHO IS KADAGA?
Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga is a lawyer and politician born on May 24, 1956, in Kamuli District. She attended Namasagali College and later graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University in 1978. She also holds a Diploma in Legal Practice, a Diploma in Women’s Law, and a Master’s Degree in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe.
Ms Kadaga has served in various ministerial roles and was the first female Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda. Currently, she serves as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.
Reported by Tausi Nakato, Sam Opio
Caleb and Abubaker Kirunda
