By Samuel Mwesigwa Friday 1st Aug 2025 .
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing an internal storm that threatens to tear it apart from within — a conflict born not of ideology, but of personalities. At the center of this storm is the heated battle between Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the former Speaker of Parliament, and Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the current Speaker, both contesting the coveted seat of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
What should have been a routine internal election has escalated into a full-scale power struggle that now threatens the party’s unity, shakes grassroots structures, and — perhaps most dangerously — creates space for opposition parties to make gains.
Grassroots Leaders Become Casualties in Power War
Across the country, loyal NRM grassroots leaders are being politically punished, not for performance failures, but for their perceived alignment with either Kadaga or Among. In regions like Busoga, where Kadaga commands immense respect, losing candidates in recent NRM primaries were quickly branded as belonging to “Team Mulamu,” a name tied to Among’s perceived camp.
This factionalism has demoralized many veteran NRM mobilizers and created confusion among voters. Once pillars of unity, these grassroots leaders are now treated as collateral damage in a rivalry they never signed up for.
NRM Gains Attention, But at What Cost?
The internal contest has brought renewed attention to the NRM’s leadership processes. Ugandans are talking — and caring — about who leads the party. That is a gain. But the cost is steep. Analysts warn that more than 50% of historical NRM leaders could be pushed out in what some are calling a battle of “profit over principle.” Worse still, the resulting anger is already translating into protest votes in some constituencies — creating fertile ground for opposition candidates.
Adding fuel to the fire is the weaponization of social media, where supporters from both sides are waging digital wars of propaganda, character attacks, and emotional rhetoric. These online battles have only deepened the rift, particularly among the youth.
Kadaga vs. Among: More Than Just a Seat
This is no ordinary political contest. It’s a generational and ideological showdown — one between a revered historical figure and a symbol of modern, assertive leadership. Rt. Hon. Kadaga is not just a former Speaker; she is a regional and national icon. She was Uganda’s first female Speaker of Parliament and has spent decades defending women’s rights and advocating for her native Busoga sub-region, home to over 5 million people.
Rt. Hon. Among, on the other hand, represents the new face of NRM power. Her rapid rise to Speaker of Parliament and her political boldness have earned her popularity, especially among younger leaders who view her as a vehicle for generational transition. This rivalry — while threatening — also signals an interesting shift: for the first time, two powerful women are leading the most consequential internal political battle in Uganda. It is a sign of progress, yet a source of division.
Museveni’s Dilemma: Bend, Back, or Stay Silent?
President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM Chairman, is walking a political tightrope. His silence so far has left the camps guessing, and the consequences of his next move could shape NRM’s future for decades.
✅ If Museveni backs Kadaga, he will strengthen historical loyalty and reinforce the NRM’s base in Busoga. However, this risks alienating younger leaders and could create friction in the 12th Parliament, especially if Among retains the Speaker’s seat.
✅ If he backs Among, it will signal support for generational change and give hope to young NRM loyalists who see her as a sign that the party is open to transition. But this would leave Kadaga’s loyalists feeling betrayed, especially given her long-standing service and previous signs of favor from the President.
✅ If he remains silent, and allows the process to unfold naturally, NRM might preserve its image of internal democracy. But silence won’t protect the grassroots leaders currently being sacrificed. Some insiders are calling on the President to ring-fence the position, as he did for 1st Vice Chairman Hajji Moses Kigongo, in order to protect party unity and senior figures from political embarrassment.
The Hidden Brokers and the Busoga Factor
While the public battle is focused on Kadaga and Among, silent power brokers like Hajji Kigongo, Prime Minister Nabbanja, and even Gen. Salim Saleh are rumored to be observing — and potentially influencing — outcomes from behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Busoga stands as a critical factor. The region is watching how this conflict unfolds. If the area feels betrayed, the NRM could lose significant ground in a region already under pressure from opposition inroads.
What This Means for 2026
With general elections just around the corner in 2026, the Kadaga–Among conflict could not have come at a worse time. If unresolved, the internal divisions may splinter the NRM’s voter base, energize the opposition, and reduce the party’s ability to retain parliamentary seats — especially in regions like the east and central Uganda.
Kololo 28th: The Defining Moment
All eyes now turn to the NRM Top Leadership Meeting at Kololo on July 28, as announced by President Museveni. Will he speak out? Will he call for unity? Will he choose silence? Whatever he does, the outcome will shape the NRM’s image, strength, and survival in the years ahead.
The battle for 2nd Vice Chairperson is no longer just a race between two women. It’s a mirror reflecting NRM’s deepest struggles: between legacy and change, loyalty and ambition, unity and division.
