Forget the past, Kadaga tells supporters, launches Museveni presidential bid in Kamuli
“The battles in the NRM house bruised me and the whole of Busoga. Right now, the bad has come to pass, but as NRM, we have reconciled and recollected and worked together for the good of our party,” Kadaga said.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (atop a vehicle right) addressing a crowd during the Kadaga official campaign launch at Kamuli Municipality playgrounds on Thursday. Looking on is the Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
KAMULI - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has put to rest intense speculation about her political future by officially launching President Yoweri Museveni’s presidential bid in Busoga region-based Kamuli district.
In an address at Kamuli Municipality Playground on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the incumbent Kamuli District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) urged the electorate to "forget the past and move on" for the sake of unity and regional development, signalling a complete reconciliation within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party following a bruising internal election.
A turning point after CEC loss
Kadaga's announcement comes months after her highly publicised and acrimonious loss of the female vice-chairperson slot on the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among.
The defeat created mixed reactions across Busoga, with many constituents vowing to vote the Opposition come the 2026 General Election in vengeance, a sentiment that fuelled rumours that the popular leader was poised to defect to the Opposition.
Addressing the crowds, Kadaga acknowledged the pain caused by the CEC contest.
“The battles in the NRM house bruised me and the whole of Busoga. Right now, the bad has come to pass, but as NRM, we have reconciled and recollected and worked together for the good of our party,” Kadaga said.
Supporters of Maama Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and President Yoweri Museveni cleani a barner containing Kadaga and Museveni portraits during Kadaga's official campaign launch at Kamuli Municipality playgrounds on Thursday. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
She called on the people: “Let’s forget the past and move on, and come January 15, 2026, vote for all the [NRM] flag-bearers from bottom to top.”
The event, which kicked off her own re-election campaign, was hailed by many as a critical turning point for the NRM in Busoga, ensuring the party’s stability in a region where support had appeared fractured.
Focus shifts to development pledges
Kadaga assured the electorate that her recent meetings with President Museveni had resulted in concrete resolutions, including the Head of State pledging to fulfil previously unaccomplished projects in the region.
The projects, include
• Road infrastructure: The construction of the Iganga-Luuka–Kamuli road has commenced.
• Agricultural Support: The Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli district is set to distribute a substantial package of livestock to farmers free of charge: 50,000 chicks, 100 pigs, 150 cross-breed heifers, and the new Kasolwe Brown goat.
Kadaga noted that she had personally pursued and ensured the reimbursement of funds previously misappropriated by line ministry officials for these projects.
Several NRM leaders attended the function, commending Kadaga's decision to prioritise party unity.