Namuganza vows to dismantle Busoga camps de-campaigning Kadaga’s CEC bid

Iganga, Uganda: The Minister of State for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon Persis Namuganza, has lashed out at NRM leaders and political camps in Busoga who are working to undermine First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s bid to retain her position as NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female).

Speaking Thursday, July 10, at Bishop Willis Core PTC in Bulamagi Sub-county, Iganga District, during Kadaga’s official CEC campaign launch, an agitated Namuganza accused some Busoga politicians of betraying their own in favour of “outsiders,” allegedly using money to influence party politics.

Namuganza, who previously contested against Kadaga in 2020 for the same seat, said despite their past rivalry, she has chosen to back Kadaga this time based on her seniority, integrity, and contribution to NRM.

She condemned the emergence of factions such as “Team Mulamu,” which she said are using questionable methods and cash inducements to destabilize support for Kadaga in her home sub-region.

“Where did these teams come from? I hear Team Mulamu and the likes. We shall not allow someone to come from Bukedea and undermine our people in Busoga,” Namuganza said, in an apparent swipe at Kadaga’s rival, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.

“I will personally lead youths to dismantle such groups. We have seen them splashing money, and it is time we question their sources of income.”

Kadaga Hits Back at Sanctioned Opponent

Kadaga, who addressed hundreds of NRM delegates from all 12 districts of Busoga, reiterated her clean record in public service and accused her opponent of corruption and moral decline.

“I have been in Parliament for 20 years and not once have I been involved in a corruption scandal,” Kadaga said. “Now you find someone who has been in the party for a shorter time and is already sanctioned by the United States, UK, European Union, and UAE. Is that what we want in our top party leadership?”

She emphasized that top CEC leaders must be individuals of moral integrity, as required by the NRM Constitution, and urged delegates to reject “political bribes” in exchange for short-term gains.

Kadaga was later escorted by a jubilant procession to Iganga District headquarters, where she addressed a public rally. She thanked the delegates for their endorsement and declared readiness to campaign across the country to retain her seat on the CEC.

Several Members of Parliament from Busoga, including Hon. Stephen Kisa (Luuka South), Hon. Martin Muzaale (Buzaaya County), and Iganga Woman MP Hon. Sauda Kauma, pledged their support for Kadaga’s candidature.

Also present were dozens of aspiring leaders and NRM delegates who lined up to see Kadaga off as she proceeded to her next campaign engagements. However, notable absentees included some district chairpersons from the region, though a few were represented.