Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has overwhelmingly defeated former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga in the hotly contested race for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the ruling NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
According to the final tally announced at Kololo Independence Grounds, Among secured 1,524 votes against Kadaga’s paltry 65 votes, marking one of the most humiliating electoral defeats for the veteran politician who has been at the heart of NRM politics for more than three decades.
The outcome reflects the shifting balance of influence inside the ruling party. Despite Kadaga’s earlier claims of seniority, loyalty and regional representation, delegates threw their weight behind Among, a relative newcomer to the NRM fold but one who has rapidly consolidated power since rising to the Speakership in 2021.
Among’s campaign highlighted her ability to mobilize support and recruit new members to the party, including legislators from the opposition. She positioned herself as a fresh force capable of energizing NRM structures across the country. Kadaga, on the other hand, leaned on her legacy and warned that sidelining her could alienate the Busoga sub-region, but this message appeared to gain little traction among the delegates.
President Yoweri Museveni, who chaired the conference, had earlier attempted to persuade one of the contenders to step down to avoid internal rupture. Both insisted on contesting, and the delegates have now delivered a clear verdict.
The result cements Among’s status as one of the most powerful figures within NRM’s top organs, holding both the Speakership and now a CEC position. For Kadaga, the crushing loss may signal the sunset of her influence at the party’s highest table, leaving open questions about her future political trajectory.