The Busoga sub-region has been thrown into mixed emotions after former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga lost to her rival, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, in the race for the position of National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Among won with a commanding 11,680 votes, representing 92.8 percent of the delegates, while Kadaga managed only 902 votes, accounting for 7.2 percent of the total 12,582 ballots cast.
The outcome effectively ended Kadaga’s attempt to retain the influential NRM leadership slot she has held since 2010.
The contest also highlighted sharp political rifts between Busoga, Kadaga’s home sub-region, and Teso, where Among commands significant influence through her marriage to FUFA president and Budiope East MP, Moses Magogo.
Within Busoga, the battle was defined by two strong factions, namely “Team Mama,” composed of Kadaga’s supporters, and “Team Mulamu,” made up of Among’s backers.
Voting patterns reflected this divide, with Kadaga winning in Kamuli (119-16), Luuka (52-8), Mayuge (46-19), Bugweri (34-23), Namutumba (55-22), Jinja City (44-31), and Jinja District (28-15).
Among, however, secured victory in Buyende (69-9), Kaliro (75-7), Namayingo (67-3), Iganga (58-39), and Bugiri (96-19).
Overall, Among edged Kadaga in Busoga by 499 votes against 455, solidifying her nationwide landslide.
Kadaga’s loss has triggered anger among some of her supporters, who feel betrayed by fellow Basoga delegates.
“This exposes the divisions within Busoga, with electorates failing to rally behind their own,” said Asuman Ngobi, an NRM mobiliser in Jinja City.
Political analyst Ramallah Mbeiza noted that Busoga has a long-standing history of disunity that weakens its leaders.
“Battles against sub-regional leaders have curtailed young, promising leaders from fully engaging and contributing to Busoga’s growth,” she observed.
Bugweri Woman MP Rachel Magoola commended delegates who stood by Kadaga despite the wave against her.
“I hail the people of Bugweri and other Busoga delegates for maintaining their support. In doing so, you demonstrated unity in diversity,” she remarked.
Other voices, however, interpreted Kadaga’s defeat as an indication that the political tide is shifting.
Charles Mpalabule, Speaker of Kamuli District Local Government, said Among’s growing influence gives her an advantage that Kadaga no longer commands.
“Kadaga’s contributions are undeniable, but new minds are needed to address today’s challenges,” he explained, noting that Among’s position as Speaker offers her greater lobbying power.
Kadaga, on her part, questioned the credibility of the election process, accusing Among’s camp of bribing delegates with money, iPads, and mobile phones, as well as manipulating delegate lists.
She appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM national chairman, to ensure that electoral transparency within the party is upheld.
Among responded by pledging to build cohesion within the ruling party and expressed gratitude to Museveni for the confidence he has shown in her leadership.
The election has left Busoga deeply divided, raising concerns about the region’s ability to consolidate political influence on the national stage.
