President Yoweri Museveni has raised concerns over the persistent leadership divisions in Busoga, linking them to the region’s economic stagnation. His remarks came after the conspicuous absence of First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza from a significant NRM leaders’ meeting in Iganga. The meeting, which focused on regional development and campaign mobilization, was largely attended by leaders aligned with Speaker Anita Among.
Museveni, addressing the gathering at Iganga Secondary School, questioned why the two prominent leaders were missing, especially considering that Namuganza had initially proposed the meeting to discuss poverty eradication in the region.
“It was Namuganza who told me to hold a regional leaders’ meeting to tell you leaders how to fight poverty, but I wonder why she is not here,” Museveni remarked, emphasizing that the leadership divisions were hindering progress in Busoga.
Kadaga’s Absence Sparks Controversy
Museveni further disclosed that he personally contacted Rebecca Kadaga before the meeting, only to be informed that she had not received an invitation. In response, Museveni reached out to Speaker Among and the NRM Iganga Chairman, who confirmed that invitations had been sent through the district party structures.
“I spoke to my sister Rebecca when I was coming here, and she told me she wasn’t invited. I immediately called Speaker Anita Among, who said every leader was invited,” Museveni said, calling attention to the communication breakdown within the party.
The absence of Kadaga and Namuganza underscores the ongoing rivalry between Kadaga and Among, a political divide that has persisted since 2021 when Among, alongside the late Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, successfully challenged Kadaga for the Speakership.
Museveni Calls for Humility Among Busoga Leaders
During his address, Museveni urged Busoga leaders to prioritize humility, pointing out that internal conflicts had perpetuated poverty in the region. He used a Kinyankole proverb to illustrate his point: “If I wasn’t humble, I would not have managed to govern Uganda,” stressing the importance of unity in achieving socio-economic transformation.
“The divisions within Busoga must end for us to achieve the development that the people deserve,” he added.
Political Rivalry and Its Impact on Busoga’s Development
The rivalry between Kadaga and Among has been a significant factor in NRM’s internal dynamics, especially in Busoga. The divide was further exposed during the race for NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), which Among won decisively, deepening the split within the party. The NRM’s operation in parallel camps has been particularly visible in recent primaries, where several incumbents aligned with Among, including Milton Muwuma and Livingstone Zijjan, were defeated.
Political analysts have warned that unless efforts are made to reconcile these factions, the growing divisions could have a detrimental impact on NRM’s performance in the upcoming 2026 general elections. The absence of Kadaga from events attended by Among signals that the rift remains unresolved.
Campaign Mobilization and Development Plans
Despite the ongoing leadership challenges, Museveni reassured the audience that campaign mobilization efforts were progressing well. Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama expressed confidence that the upcoming elections would see better results than in 2021, while campaign official Dorothy Kisaka encouraged residents to vote in large numbers for Museveni and the NRM.
Museveni’s visit to Busoga was part of his nationwide campaign to promote wealth creation and poverty eradication, guided by the government’s seven pillars, including peace, patriotism, national unity, and socio-economic transformation.
