Kampala | UG Diplomat — Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, has officially declared her intention to stand again for her position on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I have every intention of standing,” Kadaga said in an interview, highlighting the critical role of the CEC in shaping national governance.
She added, “The Central Executive Committee is a top organ of the party, and it’s supposed to give direction to the government — on what to do, what programs to pass and so on.”
Describing the CEC as the “think tank of the party,” Kadaga emphasized that it plays a foundational role in generating ideas and strategies that the government implements. “It is the cooking place for government policies, legislation and so on,” she explained.
Kadaga is expected to face competition from the current Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.
Among’s decision to challenge Kadaga sets the stage for a high-stakes internal battle between two of the most powerful women in Ugandan politics, both with strong grassroots networks and deep ties to the NRM establishment.
Political pundits believe the contest will test loyalties within the party and may have implications for broader gender and regional dynamics in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
Sources say Kadaga will count on her rich political heritage as she is revered among Uganda’s political class.
She is a recent recipient of awards; one from President Yoweri Museveni on Women’s Day, recognising her contribution to women in emancipation, and another continental accolade on governance she received in Morocco last week.
Many believe these will go a long way in shoring up her fortunes in the Kamuli political giant’s bid to retain the seat.
