The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at State House, Entebbe, has resolved to forward the contentious race for Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) to the National Delegates’ Conference for a final vote between Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
Addressing delegates, former Speaker of Parliament and current First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, delivered a passionate appeal for loyalty and experience to guide the party’s choice.
Kadaga reminded the gathering that she has been a member of the Movement since 1989, rising from chairing Resistance Councils to serving as Minister, Deputy Speaker, Speaker of Parliament, and now First Deputy Prime Minister.
She argued that party rules require candidates to demonstrate at least a decade of service, pointing out that Speaker Anita Among has only been in the NRM for three years.
“Why then should someone who has barely served three years rush to the top of the Movement?” Kadaga asked, warning that allowing newcomers to leapfrog senior cadres undermines party values of patience and loyalty.
Kadaga also cautioned that subjecting her to a contest could create divisions in her Busoga stronghold, with her supporters perceiving it as a personal attack rather than fair competition.
The veteran politician questioned whether it was right for one leader to hold multiple high offices, indirectly referencing Among’s dual role as Speaker and aspiring Vice Chairperson.
“Suppose I were a man holding the office of Speaker—would I also come seeking this seat? Would we allow such concentration of power in one person?” she posed.
Framing her candidacy as a defense of NRM tradition, Kadaga urged delegates to reward long-serving cadres who have endured sacrifices for the party.
The contest between Kadaga and Among has exposed generational and regional rivalries within the NRM, with NEC members opting to let the broader Delegates’ Conference at Kololo cast the decisive vote.
