Mukono – In a charged gathering held at Grand Praclos Hotel in Mukono Town, the First Deputy Prime Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, met with NRM delegates from Greater Mukono, urging them to stand firm with her as she seeks continued leadership within the ruling party.
The meeting, attended by delegates from Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, and Buvuma districts, was both a celebration of her legacy and a strategic push for political backing ahead of the party’s internal elections.
Kadaga, known for her vocal defense of grassroots interests, used the platform to highlight her achievements in the region and across the country, framing her campaign around loyalty, service, and the future of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I have fought for proper working space for fishermen. Just yesterday, the president met their representatives in Jinja and allocated a Shs1 billion grant per fisheries association. I have also asked him to stop the sale of illegal fishing gear and fast-track the operationalization of the Fisheries Act,” Kadaga said to applause.
She emphasized her commitment to party structures, calling for transparency in resource allocation at the NRM secretariat.
“Abandonment of structural leaders after elections is something we must end. My goal now is to ensure proper management of funds so that the grassroots can benefit. Resources like vehicles and motorcycles must be allocated based on responsibility,” she added.
Kadaga also took a swipe at her unnamed political rival, accusing them of lacking a credible track record within the party and facing international sanctions.
“You cannot become an Imam immediately after conversion. She cannot show what she has done for this party in the last ten years. She is under sanctions and cannot represent Uganda in Geneva. This is a test for the NRM – can we vote for the corrupt?”
Speaker after speaker praised Kadaga’s legacy, pointing to her integrity, accessibility, and unwavering defense of local interests.
Stephen Kigundu, a prominent Mukono delegate, commended Kadaga for her national service under the NRM.
“She has been a symbol of dedication and patriotism. Her leadership continues to inspire us.”
Representing the Mukono District Chairperson Hajji Haruna Ssemakula, Yusufu Awuye conveyed the chairperson’s message, wishing Kadaga “the best of the best” and pledging continued support.
From Buikwe, David Mutebi, a former legislator, lauded Kadaga’s role in transforming transport across Lake Victoria.
“During the 10th Parliament, she spearheaded the push for a new ferry at Kiyindi. This eased transport and boosted economic activity between Buikwe and Buvuma.”
He also highlighted her support for disaster response and stabilizing sugarcane prices.
“She stood strong to streamline better pricing for sugarcane growers and ensured regular government consignments during disasters in Buikwe.”
Daisy Ssonko from Mukono Municipality described Kadaga as a pillar of trust and competence.
“Voting Kadaga is a simple reward for her hard work and trusted leadership. She will shake and empower the party’s structural leadership.”
Mutwalibu Kizza from Kayunga delivered a fiery historical appeal, crediting Kadaga for removing term limits that enabled President Museveni’s long stay in power.
“During the bush war, we told Museveni that each year in the bush equals 10 years in power. He spent five years – that’s 50 years. Kadaga honored that by removing term limits. Let us give her the mandate she deserves.”
Judith Nagujja from Buvuma praised Kadaga for her educational sponsorships targeting vulnerable children and standing up for the island communities.
Unity Against Opposition and Corruption
Kadaga called for unity in defending NRM’s legacy and winning back opposition-dominated areas.
“We must redeem our areas from the opposition. This requires unity, planning, and empowering our people,” she said.
She emphasized that her candidacy is about service, not self-interest.
“I was in Parliament for years and never faced accusations of corruption. Leadership is about sacrifice, not scandals,” she said in a pointed remark.
As delegates pledged loyalty and urged her to “continue leading the charge,” Kadaga expressed confidence that Greater Mukono stands solidly with her.
“You have told me you are behind me, and I am grateful. When the time comes, let us move together. For the party. For the country. For the future.”
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