Kamuli, Uganda: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has declared her readiness to defend her seat on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as First National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Speaking on Tuesday, May 06, shortly after being elected unopposed as Publicity Secretary of Busobya Zone in Mbulamuti, Kamuli District, Ms Kadaga affirmed that her journey to retain the influential party position has officially begun.
“I am ready for CEC, and the journey has started because we have an incomplete party business that needs sustainability,” said the Kamuli Woman MP. “Yes, I’m confident I will retain it.”
Kadaga, a veteran legislator and former Speaker of the 9th and 10th Parliaments, emphasized loyalty to grassroots voters and the integrity of party structures, noting that she has consistently served as “the voice, mouthpiece, and loudspeaker” for her people.
“This is the trust I will not sacrifice nor betray,” she added.
Dubbed Mama Busoga, Kadaga also outlined key elements of her CEC agenda, including the need for job creation and infrastructure development to support Uganda’s growing youth population.
“Our biggest issue is unemployment, largely fueled by liberalised education that produces graduates without opportunities,” she said. “We must create infrastructure and mentorship systems that ensure equitable access to jobs.”
As the leading political voice for the sub-region, Ms Kadaga reiterated her long-standing demand for the actualisation of the economic corridor from Jinja to Buyende and the long-delayed tarmacking of the Amber Court–Bukungu Road.
“For 40 years, I’ve been campaigning for that 150-kilometre road. It will open up the economic corridor and unlock regional transformation,” she stressed.
Kadaga’s fresh declaration comes amidst an emerging power contest with current Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who recently announced her interest in the same CEC position.
The contest has sparked tensions among NRM loyalists, especially in Busoga, where some local leaders accuse Among of attempting to politically dislodge Kadaga.
Prominent voices in Busoga have rallied behind Kadaga, warning of political marginalisation if the region loses its top spot on the CEC.
“It’s not about politics—it’s about strategic positioning,” said Mr Frank Sanyu. “Teso holds the most influential positions. Busoga cannot afford to lose this one. We must cling to Kadaga, rain or sunshine.”
A grassroots campaign branded “No Kadaga, No Vote” has been launched to mobilize support and block electoral support for any candidate perceived to be opposing her.
The CEC race is expected to be one of the most closely watched internal contests in the NRM as power dynamics shift ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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