The battle lines have been drawn as the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, declares intentions to wrestle the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) top executive seat from her nemesis and predecessor Rebecca Kadaga.
The declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes political contest between the two influential leaders, who have had a tense relationship since the 2021 parliamentary leadership race.
Among, who succeeded Kadaga as Speaker after aligning with the late Jacob Oulanyah to unseat her, emphasized her national vision for the role during a meeting with urban council speakers.
“I’m not standing for the position for the eastern region; I’m going to stand for National Vice Chairperson Female,” she declared, clarifying her ambition to represent women across the country.
The position, currently held by Kadaga, grants a seat on the NRM’s Central Executive Committee, the party’s top decision-making body. Among’s announcement signals her intent to expand her influence within the NRM, leveraging her Speakership and national profile.
Kadaga, a political stalwart from Kamuli and a revered figure in Busoga as “Mama Busoga,” has yet to formally respond.
Ms Kadaga, who has held the position for years, has avoided open clashes with Ms Among, who has goaded her in the past by declaring herself “Mama Busoga” and making suggestions that an “old woman from Kamuli” was to blame for the poverty in Busoga.
However, the rivalry between the two has simmered over the years, with Among previously accusing Kadaga of undermining her leadership. Kadaga, in turn, has hinted at political sabotage, recently claiming threats against her life without naming suspects.
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The contest will test the political weight of both leaders and reshape power dynamics within the ruling party as it gears up for the 2026 elections.