The illusion of loyalty: lessons from the Kadaga-Among contest in NRM
The ongoing contest between Rebecca Kadaga and Anita Among for the position of second National Vice Chairperson (Female) in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) central executive committee (CEC) underscores the Machiavellian essence that has come to define President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership style.
As the party navigates this bitter rivalry, it is essential to reflect on the implications for the NRM and the broader political landscape in Uganda. President Museveni’s alignment with Anita Among reveals a stark truth: loyalty is not a currency that guarantees security in Museveni’s political realm.
Kadaga, who has long been a stalwart of the party and served as speaker of parliament for a decade, seems unable to grasp that in Museveni’s world, loyalty is often disposable. Italian political philosopher Nicolo Machiavelli’s assertion that a leader must be willing to act unethically to retain power resonates deeply here; Museveni’s decisions reflect a calculated pragmatism, prioritizing personal allegiance over established loyalty.
In her bid for the CEC position, Kadaga argues that her experience as a former speaker should weigh heavily in her favor. However, Among’s self-proclaimed status as a mobilizer and her unwavering loyalty to Museveni demonstrate the shifting sands of political favor.
The fight between them is not merely about leadership roles; it is emblematic of a deeper struggle for relevance in a system where Museveni’s whims dictate the fate of even the most seasoned politicians.
The NRM has become a reflection of Museveni’s personal ambitions rather than a robust political institution. The fact that the chairmanship is eternally reserved for Museveni speaks volumes about the party’s structure—or lack thereof.
The centralization of power in the hands of one individual stifles true democratic principles and reduces the party to a collection of self-serving factions. Kadaga’s failure to institutionalize the NRM highlights a critical lesson: political survival requires more than mere loyalty or past achievements.
It necessitates a profound understanding of the dynamics at play within the party. Kadaga’s lamentations about Museveni’s favoritism can be seen as a critique of her own political naivety. She is a product of a system that has long been run on personal allegiance rather than collective vision.
As the contest unfolds, it raises pivotal questions about the values that underpin the NRM. Is it a party built on principles of democracy, representation and national interest, or is it merely a vehicle for Museveni’s political survival?
The ongoing rivalry reveals that individual political interests often overshadow the collective goals of the party. Museveni’s mantra that “I fought for Basoga” juxtaposed with Kadaga’s claim to have single-handedly championed the same cause illustrates a troubling narrative: personal legacy takes precedence over genuine representation.
This bitter contest offers several lessons for political actors within the NRM and beyond. That loyalty is fragile. In a Machiavellian landscape, loyalty alone is not a guarantee of power or influence. Political actors must adapt to the shifting allegiances dictated by leadership.
Further, the fight for power often reveals the individualistic nature of political affiliations. Genuine commitment to collective goals is essential for long- term stability. The NRM’s current turmoil exemplifies the intricate dance of power within a Machiavellian framework.
As Kadaga and Among vie for relevance in a system that prioritizes personal allegiance over institutional integrity, it is crucial for all political actors to reflect on these dynamics. The lessons from this contest will shape not only their futures but also the future of the NRM and Uganda as a whole.
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