NRM CEC seat: Kadaga slams Busoga MPs for betrayal
Ms Rebecca Kadaga addresses the people of Namutumba as she launched her campaign for the position of National Vice-Chairperson (Female) in the NRM CEC on Friday. PHOTO | RONALD SEEBE
What you need to know:
- Ms Kadaga, who is also the Minister for East African (EAC) Affairs, revealed that she had supported some of these legislators financially during their campaigns
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has expressed shock and disappointment at a section of Members of Parliament from Busoga sub-region who are working against her bid for reelection as 2nd National Vice Chairperson(female) in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
"I am shocked that some members of parliament from Busoga are not supporting me and yet I helped them to enter parliament," Ms Kadaga said during the launch of her CEC member reelection campaigns at Kaiti village, Namutumba town council in Namutumba District headquarters on Friday.
Ms Kadaga, who is also the Minister for East African (EAC) Affairs, revealed that she had supported some of these legislators financially during their campaigns.
"When I was a Speaker, I funded their campaigns. This will not cost me to lose the election," she said.
She further explained that some of these legislators used to frequent her hotel in Kamuli district, asking for fuel, which she provided.
"I gave them fuel when they were in need of it, but they have turned against me," she said.
Despite the opposition, Ms Kadaga is confident of her reelection, citing her exceptional support in Namutumba.
"The support I have in Namutumba is very exceptional, and it is the very reason I have launched my campaigns here in Namutumba," she said.
The Namutumba District Chairperson, Mr David Mukisa, believes that launching campaigns from the area will help mend Ms Kadaga's relationship with State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Persis Namuganza. The two had previously clashed during the NRM structure polls, but Ms Namuganza surprisingly endorsed Ms Kadaga's bid for the CEC position last month.
The rivalry between Ms Kadaga and Ms Namuganza dates back to 2018 when they supported different candidates in the Kyabazingaship wrangles in the sub-region. Ms Kadaga supported Prince William Gabula Nadiope IV (current Kyabazinga) of Bugabula in Kamuli District, while Ms Namuganza supported Prince Columbus Wambuzi of Bulamogi in Kaliro District.
However, with Ms Namuganza's endorsement, Ms Kadaga's focus has shifted to her new challenger, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who has also announced her plans to contest for the position.
The Namutumba Resident District Commissioner (RDC), John Bosco Mubito, expressed his support for Ms Kadaga, citing her contributions to the development of Namutumba.
"History has it that it was Kadaga's efforts that Namutumba attained district status, she also fought hard to see that Bukono and Busiki North Constituencies are created. For that reason, people of Namutumba have reasons to support Kadaga," he said.
CEC is the ruling NRM party’s top organ headed by the national chairperson, second national vice chairperson (female), six national vice chairpersons representing central, west, east, north, Kampala and Karamoja. These are elected by delegates at the district level.
The other CEC members include the party’s secretary general, national treasurer and their deputies.
