Triumphant Among, immediately extended an olive branch to Maama Kadaga so as to foster reconciliation.
UgandaToday: Kadaga vs Among: Busoga Divided as NRM Delegates Deliver Crushing Defeat
By Peter Luzinda
Kampala, Uganda – Busoga sub-region is grappling with mixed reactions following Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s decisive loss to Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) election for the national vice chairperson (female) slot.
In the hotly contested race, Among registered a resounding victory with 11,680 votes (92.8%), while Kadaga, the first deputy prime minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, managed just 902 votes (7.2%) out of the 12,582 delegates who cast their ballots.
Divided Loyalties in Busoga
The contest sharply split Busoga, with loyalties shaped by the candidates’ backgrounds. Kadaga, a daughter of Busoga, faced an unusual challenge from Among, who is tied to the region through her marriage to FUFA president and Budiope East MP Moses Magogo.
Two camps emerged: “Team Maama” (Kadaga’s base) and “Team Mulamu” (Among’s supporters). This rivalry was reflected in the sub-regional results.
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Among’s strongholds: Buyende (69-9), Kaliro (75-7), Namayingo (67-3), Iganga (58-39), Bugiri (96-19).
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Kadaga’s strongholds: Kamuli (119-16), Luuka (52-8), Mayuge (46-19), Bugweri (34-23), Namutumba (55-22), Jinja City (44-31), Jinja District (28-15).
In the end, Among edged Kadaga even within Busoga, securing 499 votes to Kadaga’s 455, cementing her sweeping national victory.
Reactions from Busoga
The outcome has left Kadaga’s loyalists feeling betrayed.
“This exposes the divisions within Busoga, with electorates failing to rally behind their own, unlike how Teso overwhelmingly backed Among,” lamented Asuman Ngobi, an NRM member from Jinja City.
Ramallah Mbeiza noted that infighting has long undermined Busoga’s leaders:
“Battles against sub-regional leaders have curtailed young, promising politicians from fully engaging and contributing to the sub-region’s progress.”
Bugweri Woman MP Rachel Magoola commended delegates who stood with Kadaga:
“I hail the people of Bugweri and other Busoga delegates who maintained their support for Kadaga. That was unity in diversity, crucial for ensuring representation at national decision-making tables.”
However, others believe Kadaga’s defeat marks a turning point. Charles Mpalabule, Speaker of Kamuli District Local Government, said:
“Kadaga’s contributions are undeniable, but new minds are needed to provide modern solutions. If Among retains the speakership, her lobbying power will surpass Kadaga’s current influence.”
A Bitter Campaign
Both candidates passionately addressed delegates before voting. Among emphasized unity and trust within the NRM, praising President Museveni and citing her record as Speaker.
Kadaga, however, questioned the election’s integrity, accusing Among’s camp of bribing delegates with cash, iPads, and phones, and cited irregularities such as delays and fake delegate lists. She appealed to President Museveni to guarantee a free and fair process.
The Aftermath
The results not only signaled a personal setback for Kadaga but also exposed Busoga’s persistent political fractures. For Among, the landslide victory has solidified her grip on both the NRM and national politics, potentially setting the stage for an extended reign at the helm of Uganda’s legislature should the NRM surmount the daunting task of retaining power after 2026 general elections.
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