Museveni Tells Kadaga: “I Liberated Busoga, Not You”

Kampala

President Museveni on Saturday publicly clashed with First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga during a fiery National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at State House Entebbe, declaring that he, not Kadaga   is the one who liberated Busoga.

The confrontation erupted after Kadaga made an emotional statement warning that forcing her out of the race for NRM First National Vice Chairperson (Female) would destabilize her home region.

Kadaga also questioned why Speaker Anita Among, already an ex-officio member of CEC, was seeking the same seat:

Museveni responded sharply, rejecting Kadaga’s warning that her defeat would alienate Busoga and accusing her of misleading the

He recalled the painful history of Busoga under Amin and UPC, citing the deaths of prominent leaders such as former UPC Minister Shaban Nkutu:

While acknowledging Kadaga’s long service, Museveni accused her of “polluting her position with wrong ideas” by suggesting that her incumbency gives her automatic entitlement.

The President also dismissed Kadaga’s insinuation that Speaker Anita Among’s candidacy was orchestrated by him.

Earlier in the meeting, Speaker Anita Among had defended her candidacy, arguing that seniority should not block fresh leadership within the NRM:

Among also took a subtle jab at Kadaga, recalling the fallout during the 2021 speakership race.

With neither side backing down, Museveni ended the confrontation by ruling that the matter would be resolved at the NRM National Delegates’ Conference next week.

The August 27 conference now sets the stage for a high-stakes political showdown between Kadaga and Among — a battle that has exposed deep rifts inside NRM, put the Busoga power base under scrutiny, and sharpened debates over loyalty versus generational renewal ahead of the 2026 general elections.