Tensions in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party continue to rise ahead of this month’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, as First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the party’s electoral process and the eligibility of her main opponent, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
While meeting party leaders and delegates in Wakiso District this week, Kadaga, who is seeking re-election as the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), reportedly stated that she has lost faith in the leadership of the NRM Electoral Commission under Dr. Tanga Odoi.
She accused the Commission of lacking neutrality and suggested that its continued oversight of the electoral process undermines the integrity of internal party democracy.
Kadaga is expected to formally petition President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the National Chairman of the NRM, requesting that Dr. Odoi be relieved of his responsibilities in the ongoing CEC elections.
Her planned petition speaks of growing discontent within segments of the party over how internal polls are managed.
But her criticism didn’t stop with the Electoral Commission. Kadaga also took aim at her main challenger, Speaker Anita Among, questioning her capacity to serve in one of the party’s top leadership positions given the international sanctions imposed on her by the United Kingdom and United States governments in 2024.
While not mentioning Among by name, Kadaga pointed out that any candidate facing travel restrictions or under global scrutiny is poorly placed to represent the NRM — and Uganda — on the international stage.
She implied that such legal and diplomatic limitations not only hurt the party’s image but also constrain its ability to engage meaningfully in global political spaces where party leadership is often required to represent the country.
The UK and US imposed sanctions on Among over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses — charges she has denied. However, the restrictions have raised diplomatic concerns, especially given her high-profile role as Speaker of Parliament. Among said it was witch-hunt by the west over anti-homosexuality stance.
Kadaga’s remarks are being interpreted by political pundits as an attempt to draw a contrast between her own international record — including her tenure as Speaker and her active involvement in regional parliamentary diplomacy — and what she frames as her opponent’s diminished standing globally.
The race for the position of Second Vice Chairperson (Female) is shaping up to be one of the most competitive within the NRM’s top organ.
Kadaga, a senior politician and historic figure in the party, is facing her stiffest challenge yet from Among, who represents a newer but increasingly influential bloc within the party.
