Kadaga Silent as Among Launches Campaign for NRM Vice Chairperson (Female) Position

By Phillipa Among On Nov 28, 2024 11

File Photo: Speaker of Parliament Anita Among chairing a parliamentary session that passed the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has announced her intention to contest for the position of National Vice Chairperson (Female) within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), a seat currently held by former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.

Among made the announcement during a meeting with members of the Uganda Urban Council Speakers Association, held at Parliament on Monday, November 27, 2024. The association, led by its chairperson, Bonny Tashobya, had petitioned Parliament for improved welfare for urban council leaders.

Clarifying her decision, Among dismissed suggestions that she vie for the regional position of Vice Chairperson (Eastern), held by Mike Mukula, asserting her commitment to national leadership.

“I am not standing for Vice Chairperson (Eastern Region). I am going for National Vice Chairperson (Female). I represent the whole country, not just the Eastern Region,” she stated in response to Tashobya’s proposal.

Tashobya had earlier pledged the association’s support, encouraging Among to consider the regional role. “As speakers, we are ready to support you everywhere. We request you to run for the National Vice Chairperson (Eastern),” Tashobya said.

Among’s announcement revives tensions between her and Kadaga, who were at odds during the 2021 contest for the parliamentary speakership. Kadaga, then Speaker of the 10th Parliament, sought to retain her seat but lost to Among, who garnered overwhelming support from the NRM.

Speculation has arisen that Among’s bid for Kadaga’s current position is part of a deliberate effort to consolidate power and sideline her predecessor. While some critics have labeled the move a “witch hunt,” Among’s allies have defended her decision as a natural progression of her leadership ambitions.

Kadaga who is currently the Minister for East African Community Affairs and 2nd Deputy PM has yet to comment on Among’s announcement. Her supporters, however, are closely watching the developments, as the potential contest could further divide loyalties within the NRM.

Among’s bid has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters hail it as a strategic step toward strengthening her position within the NRM, while critics see it as deepening rivalries within the party.