By Aggrey Baba
Even out of office, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga continues to command the loyalty of Busoga voters, proving that political power is not only measured by position, but by trust and influence earned over years.
In East Busoga’s Bugiri district, during the opening rallies for MPs after nomination, on October 22 and 23, her name dominated conversations, chants, and speeches, showing that her fall in the 2025 NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections has not weakened her but may have made her stronger.
Voters repeatedly invoked Kadaga as a symbol of loyalty and regional pride, criticizing leaders they say betrayed her. In the Bugiri Woman MP race, NUP’s Rebecca Namumbya and NRM’s Eunice Namatende are the main contenders, alongside independent Amina Kadaama, PFF’s Zubeda Namutanda, FDC’s Angela Kyekwemboi, Among others.
Namatende, who previously belonged to Besigye’s FDC, faces resentment from voters who accuse her of siding with NRM leaders that opposed Kadaga.
The bitterness traces back to Kadaga’s bid for NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, where Bukooli Central MP Solomon Silwany, a key mobiliser for current Speaker Anita Among, led the campaign against her. Silwany’s attacks were public and personal, mocked Kadaga (at a certain moment) on the area radio station, claiming Busoga had grown tired of a leader who “does not produce.” Many voters interpreted these attacks as an insult to the region, deepening loyalty toward Kadaga.
During the July 2025 NRM MP primaries, many incumbents and local leaders who supported Among lost their seats, sending a clear message that opposing Kadaga could carry consequences. In Bugiri, NRM candidates John Francis Okecho and Eunice Namatende, seen as close to Silwany, now face similar voter anger. After their nomination on 22nd, they never addressed the publich as the voters had expected, delayed post-nomination rallies, which locals say was an attempt to avoid confronting voters loyal to Kadaga, while others say the candidates were just broke, and had to wait until the party releases the funds to facilitate them. Others say the two are waiting for Silwany to deliver on his promise of supporting their campaigns financially.
At the NUP rally, held Bugiri Technical Ground, on October 22 for Namumbya and Municipality MP aspirant Egesa Mercerino Mangen, Kadaga’s name dominated speeches, as supporters repeatedly chanted “Kunga Kadaga, kunga” demonstrating that voter allegiance to her stretches across party lines. Several speakers highlighted her contributions to Busoga and criticized local leaders who abandoned her.
The following day, at JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa’s rally in Bugiri Bus Park, Kadaga again became a central topic. Voters accused Basalirwa, the incumbent Municipality MP, of being too close to Among. Basalirwa defended himself, saying his relationships with all Speakers (from Kadaga to Among) were professional. Still, some in the crowd expressed distrust, with one chapati seller openly asking why Basalirwa distanced himself from Kadaga while working with Anita Among, and Museveni, leaders perceived to have undermined the Busoga.
At the recent NRM NEC meeting, she reportedly warned President Museveni that attacks on her could weaken NRM support in Busoga. The President openly told her not to overrate her influence, reminding her she does not “own Busoga.” Yet on the ground, voter loyalty to Kadaga is evident.
Even without a formal position, Kadaga continues to shape voter behavior. Across Busoga, she is seen as a defender of the region’s interests, and candidates who opposed her are facing voter scrutiny. Her name is invoked in rallies, markets, and conversations, a clear sign that her influence is enduring.
As the 2026 elections approach, Kadaga’s presence remains a decisive factor. While she may have lost power in Kampala, in Busoga, her support continues to guide voter choices, proving that political influence is not only measured by office but by loyalty and trust earned over years. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
