Iganga, Uganda: The 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has warned NRM delegates against electing leaders under international sanctions to the party’s top organ, saying such individuals lack the moral standing to serve on the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Speaking at her campaign launch at Iganga Municipality Grounds on Thursday, Kadaga, who is seeking to retain her position as NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), emphasized her clean record and dismissed opponents whose global reputations have been tainted.
“I was in Parliament for 20 years as head of the institution, but I do not have a single scandal of corruption,” Kadaga said. “So I’m wondering how a person sanctioned by the United States, UK Government, European Union, and United Arab Emirates can present herself as a candidate.”
Although she did not mention by name [Speaker Anita Annet Among], Kadaga cited the NRM Constitution’s standard that top leaders must be individuals of “high moral integrity.”
The former two-time Speaker expressed disappointment at reports that some leaders from Busoga had travelled to Kampala to pledge support to her opponent, calling their actions “embarrassing and regrettable.”
“It is very embarrassing for leaders to go from here to support a person they have just seen. Every district in Busoga has benefited from my leadership, town councils, municipalities, and even the city status we now have were achieved during my time,” Kadaga stated.
Namuganza, Gabula, Kisa back Kadaga
Backing Kadaga on Thursday was her former rival, now turned colleague, the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, who warned Busoga delegates not to be swayed by monetary inducements or political opportunism.
“It’s always said that mine is better than ours. You delegates from here should be the first to support Ms Kadaga because she is your own,” Namuganza said. “Kadaga has earned her place. And just like I survived censure in Parliament, I will campaign tooth and nail for her to win.”
Namuganza stressed that seniority and loyalty to the party should matter in leadership choices, not external influence or flamboyant newcomers.
At the same function, Iganga District Chairperson, Ezra Gabula, also weighed in, calling for unity and warning against betrayal of the region’s political icon.
“You delegates who are here, please go back and tell your residents to deny votes to anyone not supporting Ms Kadaga,” Gabula urged, highlighting Kadaga’s instrumental role in Busoga’s development and cultural stability, particularly in securing a substantive Kyabazinga.
Luuka District NRM Chairperson Steven Kisa, who heads Kadaga’s national campaign task force, said the overwhelming support she enjoys is rooted in her spotless record. “The ground is already leveled in other regions due to her integrity,” he said, calling for Busoga to present a united front.
Kadaga faces stiff competition from the Current Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, whose bid has generated internal friction within the ruling party, especially over her status as a recent entrant to the top leadership ranks and the weight of international sanctions against her.
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