State House, Entebbe | Tensions erupted at National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga clashed over the contest for NRM First National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Kadaga, the incumbent, delivered a fiery address, accusing party leadership of sidelining loyalty and long-term service in favor of Speaker Anita Among, who joined NRM only three years ago.
“I have been a member of this party since its inception. I started as an LC1 chairperson in 1999 and have never joined any other party. My loyalty is unquestionable,” Kadaga told delegates, drawing loud applause.
She questioned the party’s guidelines for the position, which require candidates to demonstrate ten years of contribution to NRM, pointing out that Among had only three years of service within the party.
“When you fill the expression of interest form, you are asked what you have done for NRM in the last ten years. Those guidelines have not been changed. The person aspiring to this office has only worked for three years… We cannot gerrymander the rules,” Kadaga said.
Warning of potential divisions, she added:
“I have supported campaigns, ensured budgets passed, marketed Uganda globally, and served this party faithfully. But I was publicly humiliated when removed as Speaker, and I took it in good stride. How much more can you push an individual? This goes beyond me it affects an entire community.”
Museveni Defends CEC and Proposes Compromise
In a rare public rebuke, Museveni sharply responded, cautioning Kadaga against invoking Busoga identity to defend her candidacy.
“Rebecca, you don’t own Busoga. You were not there when I worked with the previous kings, so you should sit down,” Museveni said, sparking murmurs in the room.
He defended the Central Executive Committee (CEC), noting that candidates had been persuaded to step down voluntarily.
“My way is always win-win; I don’t like win-lose. I proposed that the two of you agree one steps down, and I would nominate the other to CEC. But since no one wants guidance, we leave it to the delegates to decide,” he explained.
Kadaga also questioned why Among, already an ex-officio CEC member, was contesting the same seat.
“If she’s already sitting here ex-officio, why is she running again? How can one person sit in two positions? This sends a wrong signal about fairness,” Kadaga argued.
She warned that prioritizing newcomers over senior leaders could undermine NRM’s cohesion:
“If we allow someone to come today and immediately become head of the party, what message are we sending? Are loyalty and commitment no longer valued in NRM?”
Delegates to Decide
With no resolution in sight, Museveni closed the debate by throwing the decision to the delegates:
“Since no one is willing to be guided, let the people decide. We go to elections at the delegates’ conference and settle this,” he declared.
The stage is now set for a high-stakes showdown between Kadaga and Among at next week’s NRM National Delegates’ Conference, exposing deepening rifts within the ruling party as it gears up for the 2026 elections.