At an NRM delegates’ conference in Mukono, veteran politician Rebecca Kadaga unleashed sharp criticism aimed at Speaker Anita Among, branding her a “thief” amid their escalating battle for the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) female vice chairperson seat.
In tense remarks, Kadaga, currently the First Deputy Prime Minister and EAC Affairs Minister, compared Among to someone ill-equipped for her position:
“I was in Parliament as Speaker—did you hear that even a rag got lost? Yet you’ve been there only three years and everything is getting lost… you’re a thief with no remorse. Just because you became a Muslim today doesn’t qualify you as an imam tomorrow.”
This verbal volley highlights the simmering rivalry between the two heavyweights. The contested seat, reserved traditionally for the sitting Speaker, now pits Among against her predecessor in a high-stakes contest loaded with regional and political symbolism.
Among, who assumed the Speakership in 2022, insists she is the rightful claimant, arguing the role connects Parliament to the party’s National Executive Council.
A Battle for Busoga Influence
Their rivalry goes beyond personal ambition—it’s shaping party dynamics in Eastern Uganda. A faction of Busoga NRM leaders has endorsed Among for the post, even urging President Museveni to create a dedicated slot for the sub-region should Kadaga lose out.
Despite this pressure, Among has resisted calls for region-based positions, saying:
“Why should we continue ring-fencing positions? We must hold them and go.”
Kadaga, in turn, remains a formidable force across Busoga, with decades of political leadership and grassroots loyalty.
Tensions Heighten, Odoi Urges Peace
Amid this heated contest, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, has urged both leaders and delegates to uphold decorum. He emphasized that primaries should be guided by established procedures—not personal attacks or social media theatrics.
“There is no big person in this election… the election starts when all candidates are at Ground Zero,” he reminded aspirants, urging petitioning through proper channels if issues arise.
Odoi also reaffirmed the commission’s sole authority over electoral communications and strongly discouraged interference from other party officials.
What’s Next?
The NRM’s internal elections loom large. Delegates will decide who takes over the influential female vice chairperson seat—an office that shapes legislative-party coordination. With both Kadaga and Among commanding strong followings, the coming weeks promise to test the resilience of party unity.
