The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) Second Vice-Chairperson (Female) seat has narrowed down to a fierce contest between veteran politician Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and rising star Anita Annet Among. But beyond the national political arena, the true battleground, and indeed the political and emotional backbone for both candidates, lies firmly within the Busoga Sub-Region.
This pivotal sub-region, a political hotspot known for its historical oscillations, is seen as a litmus test for internal party solidarity and a critical source of political endorsement. Both contenders are leveraging Busoga’s unique dynamics to solidify their bids, making it the central stage where their narratives, development agendas, and allegiances will either be affirmed or challenged.
The “Mama Busoga” Factor
Rebecca Kadaga’s campaign is deeply rooted in her long-standing connection to Busoga. Born in Kamuli, she boasts decades of representation as the Kamuli District Woman MP, cultivating deep local roots. Accurately branded “Mama Busoga,” Kadaga is renowned for her ability to rally the sub-region, from grassroots zones like Mbulamuti to district levels.
Her influence extends to tangible initiatives, including voter register integrity drives, polling station oversight, and championing national infrastructure projects such as the critical Jinja–Buyende corridor. In Busoga, Kadaga is more than just a candidate; she embodies the incumbent voice of authority, viewed by many local leaders as an anchor of stability.
Strategic Swing Region
Busoga’s political history reveals a tendency to swing, a characteristic that makes it a critical battleground for the NRM. The 2021 general elections saw a significant shift, with 8 of 11 districts in the sub-region reportedly shunning President Museveni – a result that sent ripples through NRM strategists. This outcome was largely attributed to internal disunity and perceived weaknesses in party structures.
Kadaga’s message to the region heavily emphasizes unity, with her advocates arguing that sidelining her from key decision-making forums risks further disenfranchising Busoga and widening existing rifts. For the NRM, Busoga is not merely a geographic entity; it is a crucial litmus test for internal solidarity and the party’s ability to garner political endorsement ahead of future elections.
Development Agendas
Both candidates have tailored their campaigns to address the pressing development needs of Busoga, promising tangible improvements to livelihoods.
Kadaga’s Blueprint: Kadaga has championed economic corridor initiatives, such as the tarmac roads connecting Jinja and Buyende, alongside advocating for infrastructure to boost youth employment. Her work has extended to spearheading grassroots economic activities, including Village Voter Registration (VVR) drives, agricultural mentorship programs, and local dialogues aimed at addressing insecurity.
Among’s Promise: Anita Among, while not originally from Busoga, has campaigned vigorously across districts like Bugiri, Iganga, and Mayuge, focusing on poverty alleviation and uplifting local livelihoods. Significantly, she has promised to extend the successful model of her Bukedea Comprehensive School into Busoga and has committed to the reopening of Busoga University in August – projects with immense local appeal. Among has also been lauded for her efforts in fostering inclusion, notably bringing former FDC leaders into the NRM fold, signaling a focus on unity and broader local conversion.
Regional Representation & Identity
The contest also revolves around the crucial aspect of regional representation and identity within the NRM. Kadaga’s supporters contend that her removal from the CEC would effectively disenfranchise Busoga, diminishing its national voice and influence.
Conversely, Among’s backers portray her as the “next-generation leader” with a broader, cross-regional appeal and a unique capacity to bridge the legislature with the party structures. The significance of Busoga’s representation is so profound that there has even been speculation about President Museveni considering an affirmative CEC slot specifically for the sub-region, regardless of the outcome of this particular race.
Rivalry Reflected in Sub-Regional Politics
The competition between Kadaga and Among transcends personal ambition, mirroring deeper ideological and factional divides within the NRM – specifically, between an emphasis on traditional loyalty (Kadaga) and calls for modernization and change (Among).
Kadaga has openly criticized alleged defections and sabotage by Among’s camp. In turn, critics accuse Kadaga of employing intimidation and divisive tactics to maintain her control. Among’s campaign has notably focused on strategic alliance-building, successfully converting prominent former FDC figures and convening district chairpersons, in a concerted effort to reassemble and fortify the NRM structure across Busoga.
Why Busoga Matters So Much
Electoral Leverage: Internal polls suggest Busoga’s NRM allegiance remains largely undetermined. The candidate who secures dominance in this sub-region stands to significantly influence the broader CEC balance of power.
NRM’s Credibility: The cohesion and unity within Busoga serve as a crucial bellwether for the NRM’s rural strength and its overall preparedness for the pre-2026 election period.
Strategic Visibility: Busoga’s historical under-representation has fueled persistent calls for an improved voice at the national level, a sentiment both candidates are deftly leveraging to validate their bids.
Final Word
Busoga isn’t merely a region; it is a microcosm of the NRM’s future. For Rebecca Kadaga, it represents loyalty, a long-standing legacy, and political survival. For Anita Among, it symbolizes transformation, unity, and forward momentum.
Their high-stakes battle for the Second Vice-Chairpersonship is, at its core, a profound contest for who gets to define Busoga – its narrative, its developmental trajectory, and its voice – within the ruling party.
This race is far more than a local skirmish; it could ultimately determine whether Busoga remains anchored in its historical roots or pivots toward a rebranded future under new leadership.
