The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially kicked off its internal elections, seeking to elect leaders who will steer the party over the next five years. While several leadership positions are up for grabs, the race for the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) has drawn particular attention due to the high-profile nature of the contest.
The battle pits incumbent Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister, against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, with both candidates refusing to step down despite a proposal from the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). The CEC had reportedly advised that one of the two withdraw to preserve party unity, a recommendation both have defied.
Speaking on her candidacy, Among said her position as Speaker of Parliament necessitates a seat at the party’s top decision-making table.
“As Speaker of Parliament, I need to be in that position to pass laws that align with the vision and mission of the NRM. I must be part of the party’s strategic decision-making body where plans for the country are agreed upon before being translated into legislation,” Among stated.
Among also credited President Yoweri Museveni, who doubles as the NRM National Chairman, for allowing her to stay in the race despite being a relatively new entrant at this level of the party structure.
“Without the democracy and patience of President Museveni, maybe I would have been thrown out of the race. But because he loves the party and values democracy, he has said, ‘Let even the new ones participate,’” she said.
“We are babies because of our age. If I had grown up earlier, maybe I would also have been an elder in the party,” she added.
Despite the democratic processes underway, concerns have surfaced about the use of financial influence within the party’s internal elections. Some members have alleged that well-funded candidates are using their financial muscle to marginalize their competitors an issue that could stir tension within the NRM ranks as elections continue.
As the internal elections unfold, the showdown between Kadaga and Among is expected to serve as a test of loyalty, influence, and generational shifts within the NRM Uganda’s dominant political party for nearly four decades.
