Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has swept to a resounding victory in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, crushing former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga in the contest for female vice chairperson.
Among secured a commanding 92% of the votes, tallying 11,680 compared to Kadaga’s 902. This margin nearly 13 times Kadaga’s count has been described by analysts as one of the most decisive wins in Uganda’s recent political history.
Signs of a One-Sided Contest
Even before counting began, the outcome seemed inevitable. Long queues of delegates lined up behind Among, while Kadaga visibly struggled to attract support. In the end, Among not only won across all regions but also claimed votes from overseas delegates.
Regional Breakdown
The results showed overwhelming dominance nationwide:
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Diaspora: Among 71 – Kadaga 36
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Rwenzori: Among 835 – Kadaga 13
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Teso: Among 899 – Kadaga 1
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Greater Masaka: Among 581 – Kadaga 25
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Ankole: Among 1,524 – Kadaga 65
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Kigezi: Among 576 – Kadaga 30
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Bunyoro: Among 740 – Kadaga 8
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Greater Luweero: Among 306 – Kadaga 26
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West Nile: Among 1,022 – Kadaga 7
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Acholi: Among 744 – Kadaga 21
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Lango: Among 687 – Kadaga 12
Kadaga Loses Busoga Stronghold
Perhaps the biggest shock came in Busoga, Kadaga’s political backyard. Here, Among edged her out with 499 votes (52.3%) against Kadaga’s 455. The Speaker has gradually built strong ties in the region, leveraging her marriage to Moses Magogo from Buyende District and cultivating networks among Busoga legislators who once depended on Kadaga.
Despite holding onto a few districts such as Bugweri, Namutumba, Kamuli, Luuka, Jinja District, Jinja City, and Mayuge, Kadaga’s support was a shadow of her past dominance.
Analysts Weigh In
Political commentators say the election result reflects more than numbers. Among has steadily chipped away at Kadaga’s long-standing influence, strategically positioning herself in areas once considered Kadaga’s turf. Her overwhelming performance is seen as a clear sign of shifting power dynamics within the ruling party.
With this victory, Anita Among’s stature in the NRM has grown significantly, placing her firmly among the party’s most influential figures as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections.
