First Deputy Prime Minister and former speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s Kamuli district Woman parliamentary seat is under threat after Busoga Minister resigned to contest for the position.
In a bold move to challenge Kadaga, Busoga Kingdom Minister of state for Youth & ICT Owek. Veronica Vennah Kagona resigned from the cultural service to pursue National elective leadership.
In her resignation letter dated April 8th, 2025 to the Busoga kingdom Katuukiro, Kagona conveyed her gratitude to His Majesty the Kyabazinga and the esteemed leadership of Obwakyabazinga for entrusting her with the duty to serve as minister from 2016 and asked for blessings and guidance as she embarks on her new political journey.
“I wish to request through you that I step aside from my current responsibilities as state minister for youth & ICT in order to focus on pursuing National elective leadership as woman member of parliament for Kamuli district.” the letter partially reads.
Kagona is a multifaceted individual whose work spans across journalism, farming, youth leadership, and entrepreneurship. Her diverse career reflects her commitment to uplifting her community and advancing the lives of the youth, women, and farmers.
A seasoned journalist, Kagona gained recognition for her thought-provoking and impactful reporting, which gave her a platform to amplify important voices and advocate for social change.
Her passion for truth and justice drove her to use her journalistic skills to engage in projects that shape public opinion and bring attention to underrepresented issues.
Beyond journalism, Kagona is deeply rooted in agriculture. As a passionate farmer, she understands the importance of sustainable practices and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Her involvement in farming is not only an economic endeavor but also a mission to ensure food security and empower fellow farmers with the knowledge and resources to succeed.
Through her work, Kagona advocates for the recognition of agriculture as a key pillar for economic development and the well-being of rural communities.
In her capacity as the Youth Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Kagona played a pivotal role in empowering the youth. She strived to create opportunities that enable young people to realize their potential through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Her vision as a youth leader was to break the barriers that hinder the growth of the youth, especially in rural areas, and to foster a culture of self-reliance, innovation, and community involvement.
Kagona is also a successful businesswoman, whose entrepreneurial spirit and vision have enabled her to establish ventures that contribute to both local and regional economies.
Kagona’s motivation stems from a deep desire to make a positive and lasting impact.
Driven by a sense of responsibility to her community, she uses her platform in multiple arenas to advocate for change, innovation, and the well-being of others.
Her multifaceted career serves as a testament to the power of determination and service, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication.
“It is possible to create opportunities for oneself and for others while contributing to the broader development of society.” Kagona believes.
For the last 38 years (since 1989), Kadaga who will be clocking 69 years on May 26th 2025 has been woman member of Parliament for Kamuli district.
She has gone through a number of political ranks from being a mere legislator to ministerial positions and speakership.
From 1996 to 1998, Kadaga was Uganda state Minister for regional cooperation (Africa and middle east), 1998 to 1999 was Minister of state for Communication and Aviation and from 1999 to 2000 she was Minister of Parliamentary affairs.
She was then elected Deputy speaker of Parliament in 2001, a position she held for 10 years till May 2011.
She was then elected Speaker of Parliament and became the first woman to be elected to this office in the history of the Parliament of Uganda, a position she also held for 10 years till May 2021.
President Museveni, in June 2021 appointed Kadaga as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs, the positions she has held up to date.
Kadaga, a Lawyer by profession has also served on several committees, Commissions, University Councils and Parliamentary Associations and with no doubt she has served beyond self.
Despite of leaving a historical legacy of developmental leadership in Kamuli district and Busoga Kingdom in general, other candidates like Kagona believes that its the time for Kadaga to honourably retire from active politics and take good care of her health.
The two will have to go through the NRM primaries to choose the flag bearer who will later faceoff with other candidates from the opposition who are also planning to contest for the same office.
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