In a shocking move, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has declared her intentions to challenge Rebecca Kadaga for the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) National Women’s Chairperson seat. This development sets the stage for a high-stakes contest between two of Uganda’s most prominent female politicians.
Among, who joined forces with her predecessor Jacob Oulanyah to oust Kadaga from the Legislature’s top seat in 2021, is determined to take the reins of the NRM’s National Women’s Chairperson seat. Currently held by Kadaga, this seat is the ticket to the NRM’s Central Executive Committee.
“I’m also going to stand as NRM National Women’s Chairperson,” Among declared during a meeting with urban council speakers.
“I’m not standing for the position for the eastern region, I’m going to stand for National Vice Chairperson Female. I’m for the whole country, not only the eastern region.”
This move is seen as a bold challenge to Kadaga’s dominance in the NRM. Kadaga, who has held the position for years, has avoided open clashes with Among, despite Among’s previous jabs.
Among has declared herself Mama Busoga and suggested that an “old woman from Kamuli” was to blame for the poverty in Busoga. Kadaga, who is from Kamuli, has been called Mama Busoga by the Basoga for her dedicated leadership.
The upcoming NRM primaries are expected to be intensely contested, with both leaders vying for the influential Women’s Chairperson seat. This position is pivotal in shaping the party’s future, and the winner will have significant influence over the NRM’s direction.
Among’s growing influence has been felt not only in national politics but also in Busoga, Kadaga’s stronghold. She has made significant investments in Kadaga’s backyard of Kamuli, using her neighboring marital home district of Buyende as a base to engage the Basoga.
As the battle for power heats up, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this contest will have significant implications for the future of the NRM and Ugandan politics as a whole.
The NRM primaries are expected to be a litmus test for both Among and Kadaga, with the winner earning the right to represent the party’s women’s wing at the national level. The stakes are high, and the campaign is expected to be intense.
Among’s decision to run for the National Women’s Chairperson seat is seen as a strategic move to consolidate her power and influence within the NRM. As Speaker of Parliament, Among has already demonstrated her ability to wield significant influence over the legislative agenda. A win in the NRM primaries would further cement her position as one of the most powerful women in Ugandan politics.
Kadaga, on the other hand, is facing a significant challenge to her dominance within the NRM. As a seasoned politician with years of experience, Kadaga is well aware of the stakes and is expected to put up a fierce fight to retain her position.
As the campaign heats up, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this contest will have significant implications for the future of the NRM and Ugandan politics as a whole.