Kadaga Speaks Out: Electoral violence, Busoga politics and a call for accountability

Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Member of Parliament for Kamuli District, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for East African Affairs, has broken her silence on the recent political tensions in Busoga, using a widely broadcast radio talk show to address allegations of electoral violence, governance concerns, and internal party divisions.

The veteran politician, speaking on major radio stations across the sub-region, expressed deep concern over what she described as unprecedented levels of violence and malpractice during the election period in Buyende District, particularly in Budiope West constituency.

Electoral Violence in Buyende

Kadaga said she empathized with voters in Budiope, noting that the district had historically enjoyed peaceful elections.

“We used to vote very well and with love; you voted for whoever you wanted and returned home,” she said. “It is heartbreaking that what happened during the NRM primaries has never happened before.”

She alleged that during the party primaries, individuals from outside the district were brought in to intimidate voters. According to Kadaga, this disrupted the traditionally calm electoral process and left many residents distressed.

She further claimed that vote tallying was conducted away from official district premises, raising questions about transparency. During the general elections, she added, the situation reportedly escalated, with allegations of physical assault and the use of firearms.

Kadaga said she has been receiving reports from residents questioning what action the government would take to address what they view as impunity.

“It is very unfortunate,” she noted, adding that she hopes the incoming government will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of what went wrong. Despite their anger, she commended voters for participating in the electoral process.

Sharp Words for Minister Babalanda

A significant portion of Kadaga’s address focused on the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, with whom she has had a strained political relationship.

Kadaga urged Babalanda to “calm down,” cautioning against escalating political conflicts. She criticized her leadership style and questioned her performance in office, alleging that key decisions within the ministry are influenced by other officials.

She also accused the minister of engaging in internal party conflicts and challenged her to publicly account for her contributions to Busoga over the past five years.

“I want to know what she has done for the people of Busoga,” Kadaga said, urging a transparent assessment of development impact in the sub-region.

Calls for Investigation and Justice

On the reported violence in Buyende, Kadaga called for formal investigations to ensure accountability and justice for affected individuals.

She specifically referenced reports of candidates and supporters being assaulted during the campaigns, warning that such actions undermine democracy and social cohesion.

“It needs to be investigated so that people get justice,” she said, stressing that no candidate should be subjected to violence in the pursuit of votes.

Youth Arrests and Alleged Abuse of Power

Kadaga also addressed concerns about youth arrested during the election period in Buyende. She asked families to provide names and case details, pledging to follow up on the matter.

She suggested that inexperience in public office can sometimes lead to what she termed “abuse of power,” calling for restraint and responsible leadership.

Reflections on Political Appointments

In a personal reflection, Kadaga recounted her role in recommending Babalanda for appointment as Deputy Resident District Commissioner in Busia, saying she supported her candidacy at a time when she was seeking to promote women into leadership roles.

She said her recommendation was based on a desire to expand female representation in district leadership positions.

A Sub-Region at a Crossroads

Kadaga’s radio address underscores simmering political tensions within Busoga and highlights broader concerns about electoral conduct, party unity and governance accountability.

As the region navigates the aftermath of a hotly contested election cycle, her remarks are likely to intensify debate within the ruling party and beyond. Whether the calls for investigation and reconciliation will translate into concrete action remains to be seen.

For now, the message from the First Deputy Prime Minister is clear: the people of Busoga deserve peace, justice and transparent leadership.