Kadaga strikes again, slams Busoga leaders over corruption, backing rival for CEC position

Iganga, Uganda:- Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has launched a scathing attack on some political leaders in the Busoga sub-region, accusing them of conniving with an unnamed high-ranking political figure to perpetuate corruption and abuse of public resources.

Kadaga made the remarks on Friday while officiating as chief guest at a thanksgiving ceremony for former Iganga District Chairperson and aspiring Kigulu South MP, Mr. Patrick Kayemba, held at Madigandere Village in Bulamagi Sub-county, Iganga District.

Without revealing names, Kadaga claimed that a well-known national leader has frequently visited Busoga with questionable intentions and is allegedly in partnership with corrupt elements in the region.

“There is a certain corrupt individual who is always here in Busoga, but you don’t hear that the person has gone to Teso, Kitigum or Ankole but always in Busoga, and you may wonder what they want, as if Uganda ends with Busoga, yet they have their origin. They are also joined by fellow corrupt people in Busoga,” Kadaga said.

The former Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament added that her presence at the event may have triggered a parallel event nearby, organized to draw attention away from the Kayemba thanksgiving.

“Now they heard that I was coming here and they also organized another function near here but thank you for ignoring them by attending this function which was first announced like two months ago,” a furious Kadaga noted.

Allegations Point Toward Speaker Among

Although Kadaga did not mention the individual by name, many in attendance inferred that she was referring to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who was, on the same day, attending a rival function just a few kilometers away at Bulowoza Primary School, hosted by incumbent Kigulu South MP Hon. Milton Muwuma.

Kadaga further rebuked Busoga politicians for turning against her, hinting at betrayal in her political stronghold.

“We have moved the party from Mombasa to Kampala, you find us in Lugogo while entering the city and you join us that you want to take control! I am the one who speak for you in Busoga and Uganda as a whole, because I am voted by people from all walks of life and different political parties.” Kadaga wondered.

The veteran Busoga politician’s comments come amidst a simmering political contest between her and Speaker Among over the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, a post Kadaga currently holds, which Among is determined to assume.

Kayemba’s thanksgiving ceremony drew notable dignitaries, including Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Export and Industry Advisory Committee and Presidential Advisor on General Duties.

Rwabwogo called for wisdom in electing leaders, saying voters should choose individuals who promote development rather than those who stir division. “A good leader should always be considerate of the development of the electorate other than fighting others who tend to promote development,” he said.

Mr. Kayemba applauded the people who attended his thanksgiving and glorified God for his life. It should be remembered that he narrowly escaped death when he was attacked by a grave illness last year.

While responding to concerns as to why he has decided to come and contest in Kigulu South, the second-time contender said he has a number of tasks to accomplish, citing that it could be the reason why God spared him.

Speaker Among Attends Parallel Event

As Kadaga addressed supporters at Madigandere, her political nemesis, Speaker Among, was the chief guest at Hon. Muwuma’s function in neighboring Buwowoza village, where the latter donated iron sheets, cement, farm inputs, and other essentials to residents and encouraged them to embrace agriculture to combat household poverty.

It should be noted that Kadaga had previously accused Hon. Muwuma and other leaders of covertly mobilizing support for Speaker Among’s bid to unseat her within the ruling NRM party structures.