Busoga ‘divided’ as Among trounces Kadaga in NRM CEC election

Busoga sub-region is experiencing mixed reactions following Rebecca Kadaga’s decisive loss to speaker of parliament Anita Among in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) election for the national vice chairperson (female) position.

In the highly contested race, Among was declared the winner with a commanding 11,680 votes (92.8 per cent), while Kadaga, the first deputy prime minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, secured only 902 votes (7.2 per cent) out of the 12,582 total delegates who voted.

The contest deeply divided the sub-region, reflecting the candidates’ respective ties. Kadaga is a native of Busoga, while Among’s connection is through her marriage to Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president and Budiope East MP Moses Magogo.

The rivalry led to the formation of two informal camps: “Team Mama” for Kadaga’s supporters and “Team Mulamu” (Team In-law) for Among’s backers. This division was clearly reflected in the results from the sub-region.

Among secured victories in her husband’s home district of Buyende (69-9), as well as Kaliro (75-7), Namayingo (67-3), Iganga (58-39), and Bugiri (96-19). Kadaga, meanwhile, dominated in her home district of Kamuli (119-16) and performed strongly in Luuka (52-8), Mayuge (46-19), Bugweri (34-23), Namutumba (55-22), Jinja City (44-31), and Jinja District (28-15).

Overall, Among led Kadaga in the Busoga sub-region with 499 votes to 455, further solidifying her nationwide victory. Kadaga’s loyalists have expressed profound disappointment, citing a sense of betrayal.

Asuman Ngobi, an NRM member from Jinja City, lamented that Busoga failed to unite behind Kadaga, unlike how Among received strong backing from 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 this as a long-standing trend where political leaders from Busoga face internal opposition.

“Battles against sub-regional leaders have curtailed young, promising leaders from fully engaging and contributing to the sub-region’s progress,” she noted.

Bugweri District Woman MP Rachel Magoola praised delegates who remained loyal to Kadaga.

“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.

Other observers argue that it is time for Kadaga to create space for younger leaders. Charles Mpalabule, speaker of Kamuli District Local Government, believes Among’s potential re-election as parliament speaker would give her greater lobbying power than Kadaga’s current position.

“Kadaga’s contributions are undeniable, but new minds are needed to provide modern solutions for prevailing challenges,” he said.

Before the election, both candidates addressed the delegates. Among called for unity and trust within the NRM, praising President Yoweri Museveni and highlighting her experience as speaker.

Kadaga, however, raised concerns about the election’s credibility, accusing Among’s team of bribing delegates with cash, iPads, and mobile phones. She also cited delays and the use of fake delegate lists as signs of rigging and appealed to President Museveni to ensure a free and fair process.