Opinion: The Kadaga-Among Clash—A Mirror to NRM’s Soul

By Bwire Jonathan | Crown Media East Africa

The showdown between Rebecca Kadaga and Anita Among is more than a personal contest. It is a test of whether the National Resistance Movement (NRM) can adapt to the realities of generational change without fracturing its core.

On the surface, this is a race for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) in the party’s Central Executive Committee. But beneath the politeness of campaign slogans lies a storm of contradictions: loyalty versus renewal, seniority versus pragmatism, and regional identity versus national cohesion.

Kadaga’s argument rests on history—decades of loyalty, deep roots in Busoga, and a belief that experience is irreplaceable. Yet, experience alone is no longer enough. The NRM has to ask itself: Does longevity automatically translate to relevance?

Anita Among, on the other hand, embodies ambition and adaptability. Her message is simple but powerful: “Being new is not a crime.” She has money, networks, and the momentum of youth. Her rise shows that in modern politics, the currency of influence is shifting from seniority to performance and perception.

President Museveni’s role is fascinating. By rebuking Kadaga for claiming ownership of Busoga, he sent a signal that no one is untouchable. His insistence on a democratic process is laudable—but let us not be naïve. This is also strategic. By allowing the two to fight it out, Museveni reminds everyone who the real referee is.

This duel will not just decide a CEC seat; it will shape the tone of NRM politics ahead of 2026 and beyond. If Kadaga wins, the old guard can breathe easy—but for how long? If Among triumphs, it could trigger a ripple effect, emboldening younger cadres to challenge entrenched power structures.

For Busoga, this fight is a double-edged sword. It risks deepening internal divisions at a time when the region is already politically fragile. For the NRM, the bigger question is survival through evolution. Loyalty built this party; renewal will sustain it.

My Take: The NRM must embrace change—not as an accident but as a deliberate strategy. Renewal should not mean discarding experience, and seniority should not become a shield for stagnation. This contest is a wake-up call: the future of the party lies in its ability to balance heritage with progress.

When the delegates gather at Kololo on August 27–28, they won’t just be voting between Kadaga and Among—they’ll be voting on what kind of party the NRM wants to be in the next decade.

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