NRM Unites Behind Speaker Anita Among for CEC Position

Category: Politics
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The strong support for Speaker Among among NEC delegates appears rooted in several perceived advantages over her opponent
In a decisive resolution that has sent ripples through Uganda's political landscape, the National Resistance Movement's National Executive Committee meeting concluded yesterday at State House Entebbe with a powerful show of support for Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, in her bid for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the party's Central Executive Committee.
 
The high-stakes meeting, chaired by NRM National Chairman and President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, saw delegates from across the nation gather to determine the party's leadership roadmap ahead of critical internal elections .
 
The resolution, which both Speaker Among and her rival Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga to face competitive polls without any preferential treatment, was reached after hours of deliberation among senior party leaders.
 
 Despite the level playing field established by the resolution, the overwhelming majority of delegates present expressed firm support for Speaker Among, positioning her as the frontrunner in what promises to be one of the most closely watched internal elections in the NRM's recent history .
 
The atmosphere at State House Entebbe was charged with anticipation as thousands of NRM delegates converged for what many described as a "make-or-break" meeting for the party's future leadership. The NEC session represented the second in a series of high-level engagements called by President Museveni in preparation for the NRM National Delegates' Conference scheduled for Kololo later this month .
 
 According to reports, the meeting brought together leaders from across the NRM structure, including Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, and other senior cadres .
 
The agenda featured several critical items, including President Museveni's address, presentation of the Secretary General's report, and the endorsement of recommended candidates for CEC positions . However, it was the contest for the Second National Vice Chairperson (female) that generated the most intense interest among attendees, creating palpable tension between supporters of the two political heavyweights .
 
 
After extensive deliberations, the NEC meeting concluded with a firm resolution that both Speaker Anita Among and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga must face off in open polls without any form of preferential treatment or "mercy" from the party establishment. This decision, endorsed by President Museveni himself, underscores the NRM's commitment to internal democracy despite the divisive nature of the contest .
 
 
Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Rt. Hon. Anita Among Busoga/Buyende Current Speaker of Parliament
 
Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga Busoga Former Speaker of Parliament, First Deputy PM
 
First National Vice Chairperson Al-hajj Moses Kigongo (incumbent) National Long-serving Vice Chairperson
First National Vice Chairperson
 
 Emmanuel Dinni, Bridge Agaba Murokole, Dr. Samuel Odongo Oledo Various Challengers
 
Eastern Region Vice Chairperson Capt. Mike Mukula (incumbent) Eastern NRM stalwart, business leader
 
Western Region Vice Chairperson Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (incumbent) Western ICT Minister
 
Overwhelming Delegates Support for Speaker Among
 
Despite the resolution mandating a fair contest, the meeting revealed clear divisions in delegate support, with the majority rallying behind Speaker Anita Among. Numerous delegates took to the floor to express their confidence in Among's leadership qualities, legislative accomplishments, and potential to bring fresh energy to the party's top decision-making body .
 
"Speaker Among has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities during her tenure as Parliament Speaker," declared one delegate from Bugiri District. "Her commitment to grassroots development and party unity makes her the ideal candidate for this crucial position at this juncture in our party's history" .
 
This groundswell of support follows weeks of intensive campaigning by Speaker Across various regions, particularly in Busoga where she has secured numerous endorsements from district chairpersons and local leaders .
 
 Her message of combating poverty, strengthening educational opportunities, and enhancing connectivity between the party and legislature appears to have resonated deeply with NRM delegates .
 
 
President Museveni, in his capacity as NRM National Chairman, maintained a neutral posture throughout the deliberations, emphasizing the importance of allowing democratic processes to prevail within the party.
 
 While acknowledging the contributions of both contenders, the President refrained from endorsing either candidate, instead urging delegates to make their decision based on who would best serve the party's interests moving forward .
 
This impartial stance surprised many political observers who had anticipated possible intervention from the party chairman given the high-profile nature of the contest and its potential implications for party unity. However, it aligns with Museveni's recent warnings against voter bribery and unfair practices within internal party elections .
 
 
The strong support for Speaker Among among NEC delegates appears rooted in several perceived advantages over her opponent:
 
1. Grassroots Connectivity: Among has demonstrated remarkable ability to connect with grassroots delegates, as evidenced by her successful mobilization campaigns across Busoga and other regions .
2. Legislative Achievements: Her tenure as Speaker has been marked by significant legislative accomplishments, including the recent passage of the Sugar Amendment Bill which holds particular importance for agricultural communities in Busoga and beyond .
3. Development Focus: Among has prioritized concrete development initiatives, such as plans to establish branches of Bukedea Comprehensive School in Busoga and the reopening of Busoga University as a public institution .
4. Unity Advocacy: Despite the competitive nature of the race, Among has consistently called for party unity and respectful competition, a message that has resonated with delegates weary of internal divisions .
5. Fresh Energy: Her pledge to bring "new energy" and innovative mobilization strategies to the CEC has attracted support from delegates looking for generational transition within the party leadership .
 
Implications for NRM and National Politics
 
The resolution coming out of the Entebbe meeting has significant implications for both the NRM and Uganda's broader political landscape:
 
First, it demonstrates the NRM's commitment to maintaining competitive internal elections despite the potential for division. By allowing both prominent leaders to face off in open polls, the party reinforces its democratic credentials while testing its conflict management mechanisms .
 
Second, the outcome of this contest could reshape power dynamics within the NRM's top leadership, particularly regarding regional representation and generational balance. A victory for Speaker Among would signal a potential shift toward newer leadership within the party hierarchy .
 
Third, the resolution sets an important precedent for handling high-stakes internal competitions without resorting to administrative interventions, potentially establishing a template for future leadership transitions within the ruling party .
 
The Road to Kololo
 
With the NEC meeting concluded, attention now shifts to the NRM National Delegates' Conference scheduled for August 27-28 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where more than 24,000 delegates are expected to elect new CEC members by secret ballot . 
 
The conference, held under the theme "Building a Shared Prosperity: Investing in Uganda's Future," will primarily focus on electing new CEC members but is also expected to formally endorse President Museveni as the NRM presidential candidate for the 2026 General Election .
 
The contest between Speaker Among and former Speaker Kadaga will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched races at the conference, with both candidates expected to intensify their campaigning efforts in the coming days. However, the strong show of support for Speaker Among at the NEC meeting positions her as the candidate to beat as the party moves toward this decisive electoral event .
 
Conclusion: A New Chapter for NRM Leadership
 
The NEC meeting at State House Entebbe has set the stage for what promises to be a transformative period in NRM's leadership structure. 
 
The resolution requiring an open contest between Speaker Anita Among and Rebecca Kadaga, coupled with the overwhelming delegate support for Speaker Among, suggests potential for significant evolution in the party's top decision-making body.
 
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 general elections, the outcome of this contest could influence not only the composition of the CEC but also the party's approach to internal democracy, regional representation, and generational transition. 
 
For Speaker Among, the strong backing from NEC delegates represents a significant political achievement and momentum builder as she heads into the final stretch of her campaign for a position on the party's highest organ .
 
The coming days will reveal whether this groundswell of support translates into electoral victory at Kololo, potentially marking a new chapter in both Speaker Among's political career and the NRM's leadership landscape.
 
Kyambadde Lawrence's Avatar

Kyambadde Lawrence

Kyambade Lawrence is a journalist with extensive experience in covering community stories, using his deep understanding of local issues to create impactful narratives. His ability to connect with the community and capture the essence of their experiences makes his stories resonate deeply with audiences, often sparking meaningful change and awareness. With a genuine commitment to highlighting the voices of those in his community, Kyambade’s work goes beyond reporting—his stories inspire action and foster a sense of connection, truly making a difference where it matters most.

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