Tensions ran high during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on Saturday as First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga delivered a fiery speech opposing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among’s bid for the position of First National Vice Chairperson (Female).
In an emotionally charged address, Kadaga accused the party of sidelining long-serving cadres in favor of recent entrants, warning that such decisions threaten the unity and core values of the ruling party.
“I have been a member of this party since its inception. My journey began in 1989 as Chairperson of RC1 in my village in Bunambutye, then to RC2, and later to the National Resistance Council. I have never belonged to any other political party,” Kadaga declared, drawing loud applause from sections of the delegates.
The room reportedly fell silent when Kadaga directly questioned Among’s eligibility.
“Our party guidelines are clear. When one seeks office, they must demonstrate at least ten years of service to the Movement. Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among has only served three,” she said.
Kadaga warned against what she described as “impatience at the top,” citing her own example of having served seven years as a backbencher before being appointed a minister.
“Why should someone who has barely served three years rise to the top of the Movement?” she asked.
Kadaga also reminded the committee of her loyalty, recalling a time she was “publicly humiliated” yet remained committed to the NRM.
“I took my people with me, and they stayed loyal to the Movement,” she emphasized.
In one of the strongest moments of her address, Kadaga cautioned that a contest between her and Among could cause discontent among her supporters.
“If this goes to a vote, my community will interpret it as the party fighting me. That’s unhealthy for our politics,” she warned.
Kadaga criticized what she sees as a concentration of power, saying it would be unthinkable for a male Speaker to also contest for the vice chairpersonship.
“Would we allow one person to hold both offices? This isn’t just about personal ambition. It’s about fairness and the values we hold as a Movement,” she said.
She concluded with a pointed question to President Museveni and the top brass:
“I am the most senior female leader in this party. How can the senior be asked to step aside for the junior? What precedent are we setting?”
The speech laid bare the growing fault lines within the NRM ahead of what could be one of the party’s most contentious internal contests in recent years.
