Former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has taken an early lead in the race for the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), as current Speaker Anita Among mobilizes her parliamentary influence and financial resources to court delegates. President Yoweri Museveni remains largely silent, keeping a watchful distance as the two political heavyweights — dubbed the “two lions” of the party — vie for supremacy. With Busoga’s loyalty firmly behind Kadaga, the race is shaping up as a tense test of regional influence, money politics, and strategic alliances, leaving the final outcome uncertain until the last hours.
Kadaga’s Strong Early Lead
With over two decades in Parliament, Kadaga is leveraging her long track record, national networks, and personal connections built over years of public service. Many former scholarship beneficiaries, job seekers, legal case winners, and others she directly assisted during her tenure as Speaker and Deputy Speaker have rallied behind her, insisting they do not expect monetary inducements to vote
Regional Dynamics Favor Kadaga
Kadaga is consolidating support in the Ankole sub-region, where her past interventions in livelihoods have built loyalty, and in Bunyoro, where cultural ties between Busoga and Bunyoro have positioned her as a muzzukulu (granddaughter). She also enjoys strong backing in Bugisu and Rwenzori, with nationwide mobilization reinforced by political ally Echodu.
Busoga Region Uninterrupted for Kadaga
Despite growing money politics, Busoga’s loyalty to Kadaga remains unbroken. Delegates across the region cite her decades of service, cultural pride, and personal interventions in their lives as reasons they will not be swayed. Analysts say this bloc is one of the few “guaranteed” voting bases in the contest — a factor that could prove decisive if the race comes down to narrow margins.
Among’s Strategic Advantages
Among, however, has her own strengths. She is widely expected to bounce back as Speaker of Parliament, making her a crucial ally for aspiring legislators. This has prompted some parliamentary hopefuls to align with her now, believing it will be harder to win her favor later if they oppose her in the CEC race.
She has built solid support in Buganda, the Central Region, Bukedi, and parts of the Northern Region, giving her a strong regional base.
Financial leverage is also in her favor. Delegates are not wealthy, and reports indicate that during the Buyende Delegates Conference, many Basoga loyal to Kadaga still attended Among’s meeting — partly to monitor her strategy but also to benefit from alleged Shs 200,000 facilitation per delegate.
Money Politics in the Spotlight
Sources claim Among may offer Shs 2 million per delegate in the final days to sway votes, though she might bypass Jinja, Iganga, and Namutumba, where Kadaga’s loyalty base is considered unshakable. Even where cash has been introduced, Busoga’s support for Kadaga remains uninterrupted, anchored in political history and personal loyalty.
The rising influence of money in internal campaigns has sparked debate, with critics warning it erodes party integrity, while some candidates defend it as “facilitating meetings.”
Busoga Stakeholders Urge Among to Step Aside
On Baba TV’s The Platform, prominent Busoga figures called on Among to step down for Kadaga. Owek. Evans Maganda Tabingwa, a neutral political analyst, argued this would unite Busoga and strengthen its bargaining power:
“If Rt. Anita Among listens and steps down for Mama Kadaga, we as Basoga will give her full support next time — she has plenty of time ahead.”
Patrick Kayemba, contestant for Kigulu South MP, echoed the view, noting that voters are already receptive to this unity message without the need for formal memoranda.
Museveni’s Calculated Silence — and Possible Scenarios
Some analysts believe President Museveni will let the contest play out naturally, as he did in the 2021 Speaker’s race between Kadaga and the late Jacob Oulanyah, stepping in only afterward.
Others predict a delegates’ conference compromise that would allow both women to secure CEC seats — Kadaga as 2nd National Vice Chairperson (next to 1st Vice Chairperson Hajji Moses Kigongo and the President) and Among as 3rd Vice Chairperson (Women), keeping her in leadership but at a slightly lower rung.
If Museveni still sees Kadaga as the chief NRM mobiliser for Busoga, insiders say he could defend her victory through direct intervention. But if he values Among’s cooperative management of the 11th Parliament, he may instead reward her with the CEC seat.
A third angle, quietly voiced in Ankole, frames this as historic — with some noting Museveni and Kadaga began their political journeys together and might retire together if this is indeed the President’s final term.
High-Stakes Public Vote
CEC elections will be conducted by lining up in public, with commissioners observing — a method expected to heighten pressure on delegates. As the vote approaches, both camps are bracing for a nail-biting finish, with analysts predicting that the final hours and final offers will likely decide the winner.
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