CEC RACE: Dan Kidega Joins Northern Uganda VC Quest, Boasting Regional Experience

Former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Speaker Daniel Fred Kidega has made his intentions clear for the position of NRM Vice Chairman for Northern Uganda, where he carries a wealth of political experience that analysts say, sets him apart making him a favourite among many.

Kidega, who served as Speaker of EALA from 2014 to 2017, has built a strong political profile both within Uganda and across the East African region. His leadership at EALA, where he steered legislative processes for the regional bloc, has earned him recognition as a unifying figure with a deep understanding of governance and diplomacy.

With a career spanning decades in both national and regional politics, Kidega has demonstrated a consistent commitment to development, youth empowerment, and regional integration. His tenure at EALA was marked by efforts to strengthen cooperation among East African Community (EAC) member states, streamline trade policies, and enhance legislative oversight within the regional bloc.

Kidega, who served as Speaker of EALA from 2014 to 2017, has built a strong political profile both within Uganda and across the East African region.

Before his role at EALA, Kidega served as a National Youth Representative in Uganda’s Seventh Parliament (2001-2006), advocating for policies that uplift young people and marginalized communities. He later secured a seat in the EALA in 2007 and was re-elected in 2012, further cementing his influence in regional politics.

NRM is hailed for recapturing Northern Uganda where it painted the region yellow in the last general elections. Many people including Kidega were part of President Museveni’s teams that worked themselves off in ensuring that the ruling party takes the region.

Analysts argue that Kidega’s extensive experience in regional governance gives him an edge for the NRM Vice Chairmanship. His knowledge of policy formulation, negotiation skills, and deep-rooted connections within the NRM and beyond position him as a formidable candidate.

Kidega’s entry is expected to shake up the dynamics of the contest. His supporters believe that his ability to bridge local and regional perspectives will bring a fresh dimension to the party’s leadership in addition to concretising ideological clarity.

He has been an active participant in the ideological clinics set up to ground NRM supporters in the ideals of the party.

UG Diplomat will be profiling different individuals vying for political office in the run up to next year’s general elections.