The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has pledged to deliver on major infrastructure and energy projects, including the long-promised Jinja International Airport, as she seeks re-election for another term as Kamuli District Woman Member of Parliament.
Kadaga, a veteran legislator with over 30 years in Parliament, was on Wednesday nominated as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Kamuli Woman MP seat ahead of the party primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025.
“I am returning to complete what we started,” Kadaga said shortly after her nomination by the NRM Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Tanga Odoi, in Kampala.
“The construction of Jinja Airport is progressing well and will attain international status in the next three to four years,” she added.
“I want to ensure it becomes fully functional to transform our region.”
Kadaga also listed other key infrastructure gaps—including the incomplete Great Buwenda–Mbulamuti Road via Iringa and non-operational ferries on local water routes—vowing to champion their completion as part of her 2026–2031 term agenda.
On the proposed nuclear power plant in Buyende District, Kadaga said she is keen to oversee the compensation process and ensure environmental and social safeguards are upheld.
She also revealed plans to push for a new institution offering certificate and diploma courses in nuclear-related studies to skill local youth.
“This is not just about energy,” Kadaga said.
“It’s about preparing our people to participate in the knowledge economy around nuclear technology,” she added.
She further confirmed her intention to contest for the position of NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female), a seat she has actively lobbied for in the upcoming Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections.
Kadaga, who previously served 10 years as Deputy Speaker and another 10 as Speaker of Parliament, remains one of Uganda’s longest-serving and most influential political figures.
Her current portfolio in the East African Community docket also positions her as a key architect in regional integration.
Meanwhile, other nominations at the NRM headquarters saw State Minister for Persons with Disabilities, Hellen Grace Asamo, pick forms to represent the Special Interest Group in Parliament.
Asamo pledged to push for inclusive policies in all government programs under the NDP framework.
Other notable aspirants included: Col (Rtd) Elijah Elimu – LC5 Chairperson, Kaberamaido, Agnes Kirabo Nantongo – Woman MP, Luwero District, Oliver Mutesi – MP, Buwekula County, Mubende, Dan Kamusiime Ruhemba – LC5 Chairperson, Mbarara, Idd Isabirye – MP, Bunya South Constituency, and Hellen Nakeeya – Woman MP, Kalungu District, who arrived for nomination, backed by a cheering crowd of vendors from Lukaaya.
According to NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, the party had registered 1,910 nominees across various internal races by June 24, with nominations running until June 30.
He said the National Delegates Conference will be held from July 22–26, during which President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be endorsed as the 2026 presidential flag bearer.
