Centuries ago, women were benched when it came to politics and running the state. But some pro-women visionaries flipped that script.
Just like President Muammar Gaddafi trained, empowered, and entrusted women with sensitive positions in his government, we have seen President Museveni do the same—only broader, better, and more diverse.
Our generation has witnessed women become powerful, respected, and influential across the globe, exceeding expectations:
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Droupadi Murmu of India, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa of Namibia, President Rose Christine Ossouka of Gabon, Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé of Togo, our very own Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja, Lieutenant General (rtd) Prossy Nalweyiso, and Major General Charity Bainababo among Uganda’s top military commanders, to mention but a few.
Kadaga's Legacy
Hon. Rebecca Kadaga raised the bar so high that her achievements could send chills down the spine of anyone who dares antagonize her—unless they’re a strategic go- getter like Anita Among.
Kadaga was Uganda’s first female lawyer to open chambers in 1984 and the country’s first female Speaker of Parliament in 2011. Pioneer spirit, right? She went on to serve as First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for East African Affairs, and Women MP for Kamuli since before any Gen Zs were even in existence.
Her crown shone brighter with accolades like the Africa Good Governance Award in 2025 and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Nkumba University in 2019. Widely celebrated as a champion for women’s rights advocacy, Kadaga’s achievements even inspire her rivals—and perhaps intimidate her too.
But as they say, bees with honey in their mouths also carry stings in their tails. Kadaga has faced criticisms for authoritarian tendencies, like when she suspended 22 opposition MPs during the heated Age Limit Bill debate. She was castigated for pushing through the contentious Anti-Homosexuality Bill, sparking international condemnation—though, to be fair, the majority of Ugandans applauded her for it.
And then there’s the Mabuse Pension Saga: her alleged involvement in a pension scandal involving South African judge Isaac Mabuse ignited public outcry and calls for her resignation, though no formal charges were ever made.
Still, love her or loathe her, Kadaga has indelibly shaped Uganda’s politics, earning the trust of the President and affection from much of the public.
Anita Among's Rise
Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among’s rise from grass to grace reads like a fairytale. She rose to power at the speed of a 747 jet, swiftly and decisively. She’s Tenacious, relentless, and aggressive—she gets things done. Think Margaret Thatcher with a Ugandan accent.
She became Speaker of Parliament in 2022 after replacing the late Jacob Oulanyah, and she has already been recognized as one of the most dynamic Speakers, not just in Uganda but in the entire East African region.
Beyond politics, Anita founded Bukedea Comprehensive Academy, a co-educational boarding school. She owns Bukedea Teaching Hospital and the Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Park, commissioned by President Museveni in 2024. She’s also rumored to privately support and even bail out MPs in financial distress—an act that has won her quiet respect in the August House.
But her rise hasn’t been without controversy. Critics accuse her of dismissing opposition voices and prioritizing NRM’s interests above national inclusivity. She recently pledged open loyalty to President Museveni during a CEC meeting— something many argued was constitutionally unusual.
Internationally, Anita faces allegations of corruption and abuse of office, attracting sanctions from the UK and US, including asset freezes and travel bans.
Yet, Uganda is hungry for fresh leadership. Among, young and resourceful, has time on her side to turn the tide: fight corruption, rebrand her image, inject new ideas, and—who knows—maybe even become Uganda’s first female President.
Party Unity vs Loyalty
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: corruption. Loyalty becomes a myth when someone steals from their own family.
NRM has its “problem children”—those who eat the law for breakfast, steal votes, and weasel into public office despite incompetence. The recent primaries saw disgruntled candidates breaking ranks to run as independents. Does this mean they’re disloyal? Some think so. But what if it’s because their voters were bought with money? Should we care? Yes—because incompetent leaders mishandling public funds will drag down economic and social development, whether they wear yellow or not.
What the Rivalry Means for the NRM
Power dynamics. Kadaga vs Among isn’t just personal—it signals potential shifts in regional loyalty, party politics, and leadership succession.
Regional impact. Both hail from Eastern Uganda, and their rivalry has already polarized communities, spawning factions like “Team Mama” (Kadaga) and “Team Mulamu” (Among). This could ripple into NRM’s national structures.
Party unity. Internal rivalry risks weakening NRM’s cohesion and effectiveness at a time when unity is crucial.
Shift in alliances. Expect new alliances, shifting loyalties, and surprising partnerships.
At the end of the day, whether you’re “Team Mama” or “Team Mulamu,” Ugandans just want competent leaders—people who make taxes count, fight corruption, curb poverty, and create fertile ground for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Written by Steve Oketa
Steve Oketa is a Visual Artist and Creative Writer based in Kampala.
