The state minister for Urban Development, Hon. Persis Namuganza, has attributed the deepening political rifts within the Busoga sub-region to external influence from political actors outside the area.
Namuganza, who is currently campaigning for Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga in the race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) position of Vice Chairperson (Female), says Busoga had made progress in political unity until it was disrupted by “infiltrators.”
According to Namuganza, there had been a restoration of calm and cooperation among Busoga leaders across different political camps, but this progress is now under threat.
“In Busoga, we had reached a point where leaders agreed to work together regardless of their differences,” she said. “But now, foreign players from other parts of the country are sowing division in our region.”
Namuganza and Kadaga were once bitter political rivals. During the 2020 CEC race, Namuganza accused Kadaga of disloyalty to both the NRM and its Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni.
She also criticized Kadaga for allegedly siding with opposition legislators on motions that undermined the ruling party.
In response, Kadaga claimed Namuganza was being used by powerful figures within the NRM who were unhappy with her leadership as Speaker of Parliament.
Despite this acrimonious past, Namuganza says she has since reconciled with Kadaga, noting that the former Speaker remains a towering figure in Busoga politics.
“It is disappointing to see people from Busoga fighting Kadaga despite her numerous achievements,” she said. “She is the most powerful politician from the region by virtue of her CEC position, and I will not stand by as efforts are made to bring her down.”
Namuganza also referenced the Busoga anthem, which calls for unity, and said the region should rally behind its own sons and daughters who have risen to national prominence.
“We must selflessly defend those whom God has placed in positions of influence—not just in politics but in every field,” she stated. “Busoga can only develop if we embrace unity and work together.”
Supporters of Kadaga hail her as a motherly figure who has devoted her life to serving Busoga. They credit her for advocating the elevation of Jinja Municipality to city status during her tenure as Speaker.
She is also applauded for playing a key role in restoring the Kyabazinga institution, which had faced a six-year leadership crisis.
Kadaga is set to face current Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, in the upcoming contest for the NRM CEC Vice Chairperson (Female) seat.
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