By URN
There are mixed reactions across the Busoga sub-region following Rebecca Kadaga’s loss to Anita Among in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) election for the National Vice Chairperson (Female) position. Kadaga, the First Deputy Premier and Kamuli District Woman MP, faced a highly contested race against Among, the Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea District Woman MP.
Both candidates have strong connections to Busoga: Kadaga is a daughter of the soil, born and raised in the sub-region, while Among’s ties are through her marriage to FUFA President and Budiope East MP Moses Magogo. The contest resulted in the formation of two informal camps: Kadaga’s supporters are referred to as “Team Mama,” while Among’s backers are called “Team Mulamu.”
These divisions reflect territorial loyalties, with Team Mulamu strong in Buyende, her husband’s home district, and Kadaga retaining her base in Kamuli. This pattern was reflected in the election results. Among led decisively in Buyende (69–9), Kaliro (75–7), Namayingo (67–3), Iganga (58–39), and Bugiri (96–19). Kadaga performed strongly in seven local governments, including Kamuli (119–16), Luuka (52–8), Mayuge (46–19), Bugweri (34–23), Namutumba (55–22), Jinja City (44–31), and Jinja District (28–15).
Overall, among scored 499 votes against Kadaga’s 455 in Busoga, further consolidating her nationwide victory. Kadaga’s loyalists have expressed disappointment, citing a sense of betrayal from their own sub-region. Asuman Ngobi, an NRM member from Jinja City, said that Busoga should have united behind Kadaga, similar to how Among received strong backing in her home region of Teso.
“This exposes the divisions within Busoga, with electorates failing to rally behind their own in the pursuit of decision-making positions,” he said. Ramallah Mbeiza highlighted a long-standing trend in Busoga, where political leaders face internal opposition rather than local support. “Battles against sub-regional leaders have curtailed young, promising leaders from fully engaging and contributing to the sub-region’s progress,” she said.
Bugweri District Woman MP Rachel Magola praised delegates who remained loyal to Kadaga despite the outcome. “I hail the people of Bugweri and other Busoga delegates for maintaining their support for Kadaga. In doing so, you demonstrated unity in diversity, a vital tool for ensuring representation on national decision-making tables,” she said.
Others argue that Kadaga has served her purpose, and it is time to create space for younger leaders. Charles Mpalabule, Speaker of Kamuli District Local Government, said that Among’s potential re-election as Speaker offers her greater lobbying capacity compared to Kadaga. “Kadaga’s contributions are undeniable, but new minds are needed to provide modern solutions for prevailing challenges,” he noted.
Observers also emphasize that both Kadaga and Among maintain deep ties in Busoga, and their political advancement could benefit grassroots communities. Mpalabule called on NRM supporters in the sub-region to embrace unity in diversity to strengthen grassroots mobilization and adapt to the new political landscape.
