BUSOGA — Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has vowed not to engage in personal attacks against her predecessor, Rebecca Kadaga, despite sharp criticism in the race for the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) national vice chairperson (female) position.
The role, considered the most influential female seat in the ruling party, has drawn both women onto the campaign trail across Uganda. During a rally in Mpigi, Kadaga accused Among of being unfit for the post due to U.S. and UK sanctions over alleged corruption, claiming the Speaker cannot travel to several countries, including America, the UK, and Dubai.
In response, Among maintained a respectful tone while campaigning in Busoga, Kadaga’s political stronghold. “I have seen all the insults, but I was brought up well. I don’t attack elders. I have too much respect for Rt. Hon. Kadaga, however much she attacks me anywhere,” she said.
Among was accompanied by her husband, Moses Magogo, who hails from Busoga. She told supporters that the region did not lose representation when Kadaga left the Speaker’s seat, pointing to her marriage as a link to Busoga. “When Rt. Hon. Kadaga stopped being Speaker, you got another Speaker in Busoga. Don’t you see you are blessed? Instead of welcoming your in-law, you are fighting her,” she added.
Her campaign team has urged Kadaga to retire gracefully or prepare for defeat. Both candidates are intensifying efforts as the NRM CEC elections draw closer, with the contest viewed as a defining test of political influence among Uganda’s top female leaders.