The recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries have sent shockwaves through Busoga’s political landscape, revealing a deepening rift between First Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and her long-time associate, State Minister Persis Namuganza.
Nearly all candidates aligned with Kadaga’s political network suffered defeat in the hotly contested elections, a development that analysts see as a significant blow to the veteran leader’s once-dominant influence in the region.
According to Daily News Uganda, key figures associated with Kadaga’s camp failed to secure party endorsements, marking a sharp decline in the fortunes of a bloc that has historically shaped the NRM power matrix in Busoga.
Minister Persis Namuganza, who was until recently seen as a prominent and rising figure in NRM politics, particularly within Busoga, was among those trounced at the polls.
Her defeat has triggered speculation about the erosion of her longstanding alliance with Kadaga, who has been conspicuously silent amid her protégé’s political setbacks.
This silence contrasts sharply with Namuganza’s recent public praise of Kadaga, during which she referred to her as “Mama Busoga” during a regional reconciliation tour—a move many viewed as an attempt to reaffirm their political bond.
Yet, with the tide now turning, there is little visible support from Kadaga, leaving Namuganza politically exposed and isolated.
Observers interpret Kadaga’s behavior as indicative of her strategic and often pragmatic approach to political relationships.
Analysts argue that Kadaga tends to align herself with allies only when the partnership enhances her influence, but is quick to disengage when the association becomes politically burdensome.
During the primaries, Kadaga made no visible effort to campaign or mobilize support for her loyalists, a move that further exposed their vulnerability in an increasingly competitive political environment.
The absence of active intervention from Kadaga’s camp is seen as a major contributing factor to the widespread losses suffered by her allies.
Compounding the shift in political alliances, Kadaga’s traditional support base within and beyond Busoga is reportedly gravitating toward her longtime rival, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Among, who is contesting for the NRM’s 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) seat, has rapidly gained popularity and influence within the party.
Her rise points to a possible generational and strategic realignment within the NRM that may diminish Kadaga’s standing within the party’s upper ranks.
Political analysts believe the outcome of these primaries is not just a reshuffling of local loyalties but may significantly impact Busoga’s role and leverage in shaping the future leadership of the NRM.
The unfolding political dynamics suggest that both Kadaga’s and Namuganza’s once-solid political foundations may now be undergoing fundamental transformation.
