I Was Cheated, But I’m Not Quitting NRM, Says Kadaga at Emotional Homecoming

By Kabuye Ronald

Thousands welcomed Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, as she returned to Kamuli amidst cheers and praise from supporters. The homecoming event, held at Kamuli Municipal Grounds, became a powerful stage for Kadaga to reaffirm her unwavering loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), despite recent political setbacks.

Addressing the crowd, Kadaga dispelled widespread speculation that she might abandon the party following her controversial loss in the recent Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections held in Kololo. With characteristic firmness, she declared her continued commitment to the NRM and encouraged the people of Busoga to support party flag bearers particularly those who backed her during the heated CEC race.

“I still feel the energy to continue with NRM, even though I was cheated in the CEC elections held in Kololo, Kampala. That does not require me to quit the party. I urge you to vote for NRM flag bearers, especially those who stood with me in the elections,” she said.

The former Speaker of Parliament also took the opportunity to speak out against what she described as deliberate efforts to sabotage her political career. She pointed a finger at Busoga Kingdom Premier and National Planning Authority Chairperson, Dr Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, accusing him of betrayal and undermining her legacy despite her key role in reinstating the Kyabazinga in 2006.

“It all began when I informed the Kyabazinga about properties of Busoga Kingdom being sold by the Premier. President Museveni directed that kingdom properties taken during Obote’s regime be restored. Buganda and Bunyoro got theirs back, but in Busoga, our properties were sold off by Muvawala,” Kadaga stated.

She further alleged that Muvawala obstructed the development of a regional airport at Kimaka in Jinja City, despite a presidential directive to commence the project.

In her closing remarks, Kadaga called for unity among the Basoga, warning that internal divisions were continually being exploited to weaken not just her leadership, but the region’s broader political influence.

“Let Busoga stay united, because if we fight each other, we gain nothing. I am a victim of Basoga being used to fight me,” she said, alluding to both the 2021 Speakership race and the recent CEC elections.

Kadaga’s message was clear, her resolve remains unshaken, her allegiance to NRM firm, and her call to Basoga one of unity, resilience, and political maturity.