Among, Kadaga Cleared to Face Off for NRM Second...
Among, Kadaga Cleared to Face Off for NRM Second National Vice Chair (Female) Slot
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has resolved that Speaker Anita Annet Among and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga will both contest for the powerful position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
Key Points
• CEC met for two days at State House Entebbe and cleared both candidates.
• President Museveni urged a single candidate, offering an alternative senior role to the one who stepped down—neither did.
• 19 aspirants in other races withdrew; some voluntarily, others after guidance.
• Moses Kigongo is now unopposed for First National Vice Chairperson.
• CEC recommendations move to NEC, then the National Delegates Conference (Aug 27–28).
The decision followed a two-day meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) held at State House Entebbe this week. According to sources, President Yoweri Museveni, who chaired the meeting, encouraged the two leaders to agree on a single candidate and even offered to appoint the one who withdrew to another senior position. However, neither Among nor Kadaga accepted to step down, prompting CEC to approve both for the race.
While the contest sets the stage for one of the most closely watched battles in the upcoming NRM elections, the meeting also saw 19 aspirants withdraw from different races. Some stepped aside voluntarily in the spirit of party unity, while others were reportedly advised to wait for future opportunities.
Among the beneficiaries of these withdrawals was Mr. Moses Kigongo, who is now unopposed for the position of First National Vice Chairperson after three rivals pulled out.
Across the regions, several withdrawals were recorded. In the East, six of nine aspirants stepped down, leaving three in the race. In Karamoja, four remain after three quit, while in Kampala and the Central region, a number of candidates also bowed out. In the West, some—including President Museveni’s brother—stepped aside, but incumbent Chris Baryomunsi and others stayed in the contest.
NRM’s Director of Communication, Mr. Emmanuel Dombo, confirmed the withdrawals, noting that while some contestants lacked the required experience, others were persuaded to accept mentorship or alternative responsibilities.
CEC’s recommendations will now be presented to the National Executive Council (NEC) for consideration before being forwarded to the National Delegates Conference scheduled for August 27–28. The Delegates Conference will make the final decision on the party’s top leadership positions.
With both Among and Kadaga cleared, analysts expect a heated showdown at the conference as the two seasoned politicians vie for influence within the party’s top hierarchy.
