24/08/2025
Kadaga wondered: 'I was publicly humiliated when I was removed as Speaker, and I took it in good stride. How much more can you push an individual?'
Kadaga spitting fire during the NEC meeting at State House Entebbe this Saturday
State House, Entebbe | Tensions flared at today’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga clashed publicly over the race for NRM First National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Kadaga, the incumbent, delivered a fiery speech accusing the party leadership of ignoring loyalty and long-term service in favor of Speaker Anita Among, who joined the party just three years ago.
“I have been a member of this party since inception. I started as an LC1 chairperson in 1999. I have never joined any other party. My loyalty is unquestionable,” Kadaga told delegates, drawing loud applause.
“When you fill the expression of interest form, you are asked what you have done for NRM in the last ten years. Those guidelines have not been changed. The person aspiring to this office has only worked for three years. Whether she was doing work elsewhere is her business, but for NRM, it is only three years. We cannot gerrymander the rules,” she charged.
Kadaga reminded the NEC of her decades of service and warned of deep divisions if the matter was mishandled:
“I have supported all our campaigns, ensured budgets passed, marketed Uganda globally, and served this party faithfully. But I was publicly humiliated when I was removed as Speaker, and I took it in good stride. How much more can you push an individual?”
“Mr. Chairman, I have told you before that if this goes to a contest, it will cause serious problems in my community. You may think you are fighting me, but you are fighting a bigger community. That’s not right for the politics of Uganda.”
Museveni addressing delegates during the meeting
Museveni Blasts Kadaga, Defends CEC