The CEC Contest – Mama Kadaga, is it time to pass the baton?
At the heart of this contest lies the decision by Kadaga, Uganda’s former Speaker of Parliament and current First Deputy Prime Minister, to defend a CEC seat she has held for nearly two decades.
In politics, as in life, there comes a time when even the most iconic figures must acknowledge that their season is over. That moment calls for grace, dignity, and the courage to step aside to allow new energy and vision to take root.
The ongoing battle and tension within the ruling NRM party, sparked by the contest for the Central Executive Committee (CEC) National Vice Chairperson (Female), offers an important lesson about leadership succession, legacy, and knowing when to let go.
At the heart of this contest lies the decision by Kadaga, Uganda’s former Speaker of Parliament and current First Deputy Prime Minister, to defend a CEC seat she has held for nearly two decades. Standing opposite her is Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, one of the most influential political leaders in Uganda today.
Kadaga’s great service to Uganda is indisputable. Her rise to prominence in a male-dominated era inspired generations of women and men alike.
She served as Speaker from 2011 to 2021, and has been a fixture in NRM’s top leadership, occupying the coveted CEC seat since the early 2000s. But times change, institutions evolve and leadership, no matter how strong, must make way for new perspectives.
Honestly, after so many years of tireless service to the country, one would expect Mama Kadaga to focus on her legacy, rather than fight for space in a party hierarchy that now demands fresh blood and sharper policy energy.
The Speaker Anita Among, on the other hand, represents a new chapter in Uganda’s political journey. As the current Head of Parliament, her seat on CEC should be a natural extension of her leadership role.
In fact, several party insiders argue that it is only logical for the sitting Speaker as an active, full-time leader, to represent women on CEC, a body that is central to setting the ruling party’s direction.
Among’s influence, not just in Parliament but across the political spectrum, cannot be ignored. She brings with her a dynamic network, a clear strategic vision, and the ability to engage today’s challenges with a pragmatic and modern touch.
Despite diverse views and loyalties, surely the speaker’s campaign is not about disrespecting elders, she has also made it very clear when she referred to Kadaga as “my mother.” It is about institutional alignment and generational transition.
Kadaga’s failure to step aside gracefully risks not only her public image, but also the cohesion of the party she helped shape.
She had every chance to walk away and be remembered as a trailblazer, a woman who broke barriers and opened doors. However she chose to hold on and risk being forcefully beaten at the polls which will of course dilute the powerful narrative she once commanded.
Anita Among is not just contesting a seat, she’s representing a generation of women who want to lead with the same passion Mama did, so let everyone who is progressive rally behind her for that change.
However, the war is not really between generations, it’s between stagnation and renewal. And at this point in Uganda’s history, we need to find the courage to choose renewal where it is feasible.
May the best woman win!
