By Aggrey Baba
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi have formally supported Speaker of Parliament Anita Among in her bid for the position of Second National Vice-Chairperson (Female) of the NRM, signaling a notable political alignment in the party’s topmost organ ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The two veteran politicians, who for decades worked closely with President Yoweri Museveni and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, serving in various ministerial positions in Cabinet, were part of Among’s team at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Friday, where they participated in the process of her nomination.
This support places Among in a direct contest with Kadaga, who is also seeking re-election to the same position on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The Second National Vice-Chairperson (Female) seat is one of 17 elective positions on the NRM CEC, which together with 11 appointive slots, forms the party’s 28-member top decision-making body.
The other elective positions include the National Chairperson, the First National Vice-Chairperson, six regional chairpersons, and eight regional vice-chairpersons.
Nalongo Among’s nomination was accompanied by other key figures, including Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, who was nominated for the position of NRM Vice-Chairperson for Northern Uganda, and Capt. Mike Mukula, who is seeking re-election as Vice-Chairperson for Eastern Uganda.
The participation of Kutesa and Mbabazi in Among’s nomination indicates a significant development in the ongoing NRM internal elections. Both leaders have long-standing histories with the party, having served in some of the most influential government and party positions over the years.
Their decision to back Among over Kadaga introduces a fresh dynamic into the race, particularly given Kadaga’s own seniority and longstanding influence within the NRM.
The internal elections have attracted a total of 305 candidates vying for the 17 elective CEC slots. Once completed, the new CEC will help shape NRM’s strategy and leadership direction in the lead-up to the 2026 polls.
The ongoing contests, especially those involving top-level figures such as Among and Kadaga, are being closely watched for signals about internal power shifts and future influence within the ruling party.
