Iganga, Uganda: Preparations are in high gear for the official launch of Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s campaign for the NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) position, with the first event slated for Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Iganga District.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Iganga District Headquarters on Tuesday, key political figures, including District Chairperson Gabula Ezera and former Chairperson Patrick Kayemba, rallied the public and NRM delegates to turn up in large numbers in support of Kadaga’s re-election bid to the top Central Executive Committee (CEC) seat.
Mr. Kayemba revealed that Kadaga’s day will start at Bishop Willis Core PTC at CMS in Bulamagi Sub-county, where she will hold a closed-door delegates’ meeting before addressing the general public at the Iganga District headquarters grounds.
“The day will begin with a delegates conference hosted by the district chairperson, and after consultations, the entire team will proceed to address the people of Busoga at the main campaign venue,” Kayemba said.
However, political tensions also surfaced at the press briefing, with Chairperson Gabula Ezera condemning what he called “acts of betrayal” by some individuals in Busoga backing Kadaga’s rival, Speaker Anita Annet Among. He called on residents to boycott and shun the voices of those undermining Kadaga’s legacy.
The Iganga District Council Speaker, Mr. Mpungu Bernard, who also represents persons with disabilities, rallied the disabled community and other special interest groups to join the campaign launch, promising a “colorful and historic day” in Busoga politics.
The Prime Minister of Kigulu Chiefdom, Mr. Wakabi Noah, urged all Basoga to attend and bless Kadaga ahead of the tough race ahead. He announced that traditional prayers and endorsements would form part of the Thursday event.
“Kigulu has always been a land of blessings. We shall be praying for Kadaga as she begins her campaign. We know she is the right person to carry Busoga’s voice at the national level,” Wakabi said.
Kadaga, who currently serves as First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for East African Affairs, and Kamuli District Woman MP, is seeking re-election to the CEC seat she previously won after defeating Minister Princess Persis Namuganza.
Her new challenger and rival, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, also Bukedea Woman MP and current Speaker of Parliament, also declared intentions to contest for the same position, vowing to end her reign in Busoga.
In recent weeks, Among has been touring Busoga, holding delegate meetings in Bugiri, Namutumba, Mayuge, and Namayingo, before proceeding to Iganga, Luuka, Kaliro, Bugweri, and Jinja.
The meetings, held at Royal Springs Hotel in Nakalama, raised speculation about shifting loyalties in Busoga, a region historically seen as Kadaga’s stronghold.
Thursday’s launch in Iganga is seen as Kadaga’s reaffirmation of her dominance in Busoga politics amid a growing contest with the current Speaker.
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