By BM
A viral video from 2018 is shaking up Uganda’s political landscape, revealing a once-warm relationship between Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among and her current political rival, former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
The video, originally aired on NTV’s ‘Akawungeezi’ news bulletin, shows Among affectionately presenting birthday gifts to Kadaga during a parliamentary session, an act of reverence now at odds with their ongoing feud within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The footage filmed on May 24, 2018, during a plenary session, shows Among then the Independent Woman MP for Bukedea district offering a basket of flowers, wrapped gifts, and a pink envelope card to Kadaga, who was serving as Speaker at the time.
Dressed in a white-and-blue dotted dress with a blue coat, Among approaches Kadaga with a respectful demeanor.
A chorus of MPs joins in singing “Happy Birthday,” as the chamber fills with celebration.
“You have become our mother,” Among says in the video, “and we are very proud of the way you have handled each one of us individually and collectively.”
The celebration was led by the late Cecilia Ogwal, then MP for Dokolo, who spoke on behalf of fellow legislators in an emotional tribute.
Kadaga who is the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and, visibly touched, responded, “Honourable Lords, you have really surprised me today.”
But that display of unity and affection is now a distant memory.
Fast forward to 2025, and the two women are now engaged in a fierce battle for the influential NRM Second National Vice Chairperson seat.
Once allies in Parliament, Among and Kadaga are now at the center of a generational and ideological divide within the party.
During a heated NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at State House Entebbe on Saturday, Among didn’t hold back in challenging Kadaga’s party loyalty and record.
“She speaks of loyalty, yet she left this party and contested as an independent,” Among said. “Now she returns to lecture us on commitment? We must reward results, not nostalgia.”
Among, who joined the NRM after years in the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), claimed she has brought more to the party in three years than others have in decades.
“Yes, I am new. But I bring results,” she declared. “I personally brought 10 opposition MPs to the NRM.”
She further questioned the relevance of Kadaga’s long tenure, stating, “Being in the party longer doesn’t mean you’ve done more. Age is not a qualification. Impact is.”
Kadaga, clearly stung by the remarks, revisited her controversial 2021 ousting as Speaker an episode she has rarely spoken about publicly.
“I was humiliated. Publicly,” she said. “But I kept working for this party. I didn’t go to the media. I didn’t rebel. And this is how I’m rewarded?”
In an emotionally charged moment, Kadaga defended her legacy and criticized what she called a culture of disrespect within the party.
“I was loyal when it was not easy. Loyalty under fire is not the same as loyalty in comfort,” she said.
The video has stirred debate across the political spectrum, with many Ugandans expressing shock at the transformation of their relationship from celebratory tributes to scathing attacks.
Analysts say the rivalry underscores deeper tensions within the NRM, between the veteran leadership and a younger, more aggressive generation rising through the ranks.
“This isn’t just personal,” said one political observer. “It’s symbolic of a wider power shift inside the ruling party.”
As the party’s internal elections loom, the resurfaced footage serves as a stark reminder: in Ugandan politics, today’s ally can be tomorrow’s adversary.
One thing is certain between Among and Kadaga, the political flowers have long since wilted, and the battle lines are now firmly drawn.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com). 
