Uganda’s Ambassador to Moscow and former State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Moses Kizige, has made an impassioned plea to the people of Kamuli to allow First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga to run unopposed for Woman Member of Parliament.
Kizige’s call aims to create a strategic advantage for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), enabling Kadaga to dedicate her time to mobilizing widespread support for presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni.
Addressing the public, Kizige, who has previously been noted for his strained relationship with Kadaga, emphasized the critical need for party unity over individual differences, especially as the nation approaches general elections.
“This is the time for us to protect our gains and walk the talk of it,” Kizige stated. “Yes, we’ve had differences but the gains from Mama Kadaga and Mzee Museveni must be well protected, respected, and honored.”
He specifically urged women and youth leaders in Kamuli to endorse Kadaga unopposed. “My sisters and daughters should let Mama Kadaga be nominated unopposed, both as gratitude to her legacy but above all, to give her ample time to supervise, coordinate, and actively mobilize for the party president in Busoga,” Kizige advocated passionately.
Dismissing reports of contention against Kadaga as “malicious propaganda and hate politics by enemies of Busoga that keep digging holes to separate political leaders,” Kizige asserted that any challenge to Kadaga would be futile.
“Even if some stood against Kadaga, they won’t defeat her and only political schemers will push for this,” he added, vowing to foster reconciliation.
“I have consulted widely including the family, party and elders and will talk to the other camps to ceasefire, bridge gap and push for harmony in the best interest of the party and Mzee and in honor of Fr Grimes soul our mentor.”
The move has garnered praise from political observers. Michael Munaaba, a social and political analyst, described Kizige’s advocacy as “bold” and emanating from “a free thinker and Christian who wishes Busoga and NRM the best.” Munaaba noted that despite any personal grievances, Kizige had offered “the best reconciliation message, not pretending.”
Similarly, youth leader Violet Promise Aliyinzaa commended Kizige for what she termed a “bold nature statement geared towards harmony and sustainability.” Aliyinzaa added, “He has made an unprecedented disarming statement because belligerence has no space amongst people who have a cause of propelling a resounding win for NRM party presidential candidate and all its flag bearers.”
Responding to the developments, Ms. Kadaga affirmed her unwavering commitment to Busoga and the NRM party. “I have always meant well for Busoga and NRM party in thick and thin,” she stated.
“I am a brand and they know it and sometimes they are forced by public judgment to behave. I know the conviction but they have forces who hold counter meetings against public will and they will pay heavily for it.”
Kizige’s unexpected call for unity and strategic political maneuvering highlights the NRM’s focus on consolidating support and minimizing internal rifts ahead of the upcoming elections.
