The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, who was on Wednesday overwhelmingly elected the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM party, has recognized the contributions of her rival, Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister.
In her first victory message posted on social media, Among started by thanking the delegates for supporting her bid and eventually cementing it with a massive vote.
“Dear delegates, I am truly grateful for your love and support, not just today but throughout the campaign trail. With deep humility, I accept this landslide victory,” said Among.
In a rare move, she also thanked Kadaga for running an “excellent” campaign and the latter’s contributions to the ruling party and the country.
“I want to express my gratitude to our mother, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga, for running an excellent campaign and her significant contributions to the party and our country,” Among said.
Adding: “We will rely on her for advice and guidance in the days ahead.”
The campaign trail of the duo was marked by sharp exchanges. While canvassing for support in Mpigi recently, Kadaga launched a direct attack, citing U.S. and UK sanctions imposed on Among.
“This week, there was a World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, but our Speaker did not attend because of sanctions,” Kadaga told supporters.
“She was sanctioned because of corruption. She cannot travel to America; she cannot travel to the UK, not even Dubai.”
Among, while campaigning in Busoga—Kadaga’s political stronghold—adopted a restrained tone, pledging not to respond in kind.
“I have seen all the insults, but I don’t attack elders. I have too much respect for Rt. Hon. Kadaga, however much she attacks me anywhere,” Among told a rally in Busoga, adding that the region had “not lost” when Kadaga ceased being Speaker because “you got another Speaker in Busoga” through her marriage to Moses Magogo, who hails from the region.
The rivalry escalated during a stormy National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at State House Entebbe on August 23, 2025, where Kadaga accused the party of undermining loyalty and seniority by favoring Among.
President Museveni, however, revealed at the State House meeting that he had proposed a “win-win” solution, suggesting one candidate step aside voluntarily for the other to retain a high-ranking party role, but both women rejected the compromise.
The rivalry between the two was resolved by the party’s topmost decision-making organ, the National Delegates Conference, which massively gave Among 11,680 (92.8%) against Kadaga’s 902 (7.2%).
As the victory cements Among’s position on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) and elevates her as one of Museveni’s most trusted allies, Among concluded her victory message by calling on the NRM fraternity to mobilize for the forthcoming elections.
“Let us return to work, mobilize for our party leader and flag bearers, and ensure a resounding victory for the mighty NRM,” said Among.
