CEC WAR!! Kadaga Takes Early Lead As War Between Party ‘Lions’ Rage – Anita Among Runs To Pope For Miracles
Former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has surged ahead in the high-stakes contest for the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), while current Speaker Anita Among flexes both parliamentary clout and financial muscle to woo undecided delegates.
President Yoweri Museveni remains strategically silent, watching from the sidelines as the two NRM titans — dubbed the “two lions” of the party — battle for dominance. With Busoga firmly in Kadaga’s corner, this race is turning into a gripping test of regional loyalty, political strategy, and financial firepower. The outcome hangs in the balance, likely to be determined in the race’s final moments.
Kadaga’s Strong Early Lead
With over 20 years in Parliament, Kadaga is tapping into a deep well of political capital — built on decades of national service, loyal networks, and hands-on personal connections. Her supporters, many of whom benefitted from her influence through scholarships, job placements, and legal interventions, are rallying with a clear message: their loyalty isn’t for sale.
Regional Dynamics Favor Kadaga
Kadaga’s strength extends well beyond Busoga. In the Ankole sub-region, her previous support for local livelihoods has earned lasting gratitude. Meanwhile, cultural bonds with Bunyoro have earned her the title *muzzukulu* (granddaughter), helping cement her support there. Bugisu and Rwenzori are also leaning her way — a result of her nationwide mobilization efforts, bolstered by close political ally Echodu.
Busoga Region Uninterrupted for Kadaga
Despite the creeping influence of money politics, Kadaga’s grip on Busoga appears unshakable. Delegates across the region point to her unwavering service, deep cultural roots, and life-changing interventions as reasons they remain loyal. Analysts view Busoga as one of the race’s few “locked-in” regions — a critical advantage if the margin of victory is razor-thin.
Among’s Strategic Advantages
Speaker Anita Among, however, brings formidable assets of her own. Seen as the likely front-runner to retain the Speakership, Among has become a key political magnet — particularly for aspiring MPs. Many hopefuls are aligning with her now, fearing political fallout if they oppose her CEC ambitions.
She’s established strong bases in Buganda, the Central Region, Bukedi, and sections of the Northern Region, giving her a widespread support map.
Her financial edge also cannot be ignored. Delegates, many of whom are financially constrained, reportedly received Shs 200,000 during the Buyende Delegates Conference — drawing even staunch Kadaga loyalists to Among’s meetings, partly out of curiosity and partly for financial relief.
Money Politics in the Spotlight
Insiders claim Among could up the ante in the final days, offering as much as Shs 2 million per delegate to sway votes. However, she’s expected to skip districts like Jinja, Iganga, and Namutumba, where Kadaga’s support is ironclad. Even in areas where cash has been introduced, Busoga’s loyalty remains rooted in history and personal allegiance.
This cash-fueled campaigning has ignited debate within the party — with critics warning of long-term damage to party integrity, while some candidates defend it as legitimate “facilitation for meetings.”
Busoga Stakeholders Urge Among to Step Aside
On Baba TV’s The Platform, prominent voices from Busoga called on Among to step down in favor of Kadaga. Owek. Evans Maganda Tabingwa, a neutral political commentator, made the case for regional unity:
“If Rt. Anita Among listens and steps down for Mama Kadaga, we as Basoga will give her full support next time — she has plenty of time ahead.”
Patrick Kayemba, aspiring MP for Kigulu South, echoed this sentiment, noting growing voter openness to the unity message, even without formal agreements.
Museveni’s Calculated Silence — and Possible Scenarios
Observers believe President Museveni will, as in 2021, allow the contest to unfold naturally — only intervening after the outcome becomes clear. Some suggest a potential compromise: Kadaga could assume the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson, while Among takes the 3rd Vice Chairperson (Women) slot, preserving influence for both within CEC.
Others argue Museveni may weigh Kadaga’s historical role as NRM’s Busoga mobiliser against Among’s more recent, cooperative leadership in Parliament. His choice could swing the contest either way.
One quietly discussed theory in Ankole is that this moment may be symbolic — with some suggesting that Museveni and Kadaga, who began their political careers side-by-side, could exit the stage together, if this is indeed the President’s final term.
High-Stakes Public Vote
The CEC vote will be conducted openly — delegates lining up in full view, with electoral commissioners watching closely. This method is expected to intensify pressure, especially in tight districts. With the finish line in sight, both camps are bracing for a dramatic conclusion, where last-minute moves and offers could determine who emerges victorious.
