As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) enters another decisive Central Executive Committee (CEC) election cycle, the name Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga once again commands attention. She is not new to the political stage, but a seasoned leader whose decades of service have helped strengthen the very foundation of the party. Now seeking to retain her position as the NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Kadaga brings with her a rare mix of experience, resilience, grassroots connection, and unwavering loyalty to the movement. At such a critical moment in the party’s history, her continued leadership is not only valuable but essential.
Rebecca Kadaga’s political career is one of trailblazing achievements. She made history as Uganda’s first female Speaker of Parliament, a position she held from 2011 to 2021, after a decade of service as Deputy Speaker. During her tenure, she steered the legislative arm of government with strength, steadiness, and unmatched skill, earning respect even beyond party lines. Her ability to maintain order, navigate complex political dynamics, and protect national interests proved that she is a leader of rare maturity. In times of political turbulence, Kadaga’s calm but firm leadership provided the stability that both Parliament and the NRM needed.
Her loyalty to the NRM has never been in doubt. When she lost the Speakership race in 2021, Kadaga did not abandon her party or its mission. Instead, she accepted the decision with grace and continued to serve diligently, both as Second Vice Chairperson (Female) and as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. At that moment, she demonstrated that party unity mattered more than personal ambition. That kind of discipline and sacrifice is what strengthens the NRM and secures its legacy.
Kadaga’s influence is also anchored in her professional expertise and diplomatic reach. A lawyer by training, with degrees from Makerere University and the University of Zimbabwe, she has always approached leadership with depth and precision. Her role in international forums such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association elevated Uganda’s profile abroad, while her current cabinet position has seen her champion regional integration, economic cooperation, and trade harmonization within the East African Community. This combination of domestic and international experience gives the NRM a trusted leader who can bridge national policy with global and regional diplomacy.
At the grassroots level, Kadaga has built a legacy of people-centered politics. In Kamuli and across Busoga, she remains a leader with a visible and practical impact. She has promoted SACCOs for former LC3 Chairpersons, launched the Village Agricultural Model to strengthen household incomes, and supported women entrepreneurs through initiatives such as GROW Uganda. Her consistent advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and inclusive development has given ordinary Ugandans a real sense of belonging to the NRM’s vision. She is not just a national figure—she is a leader deeply rooted in her community.
Uganda’s current political environment calls for leaders who embody experience, loyalty, discipline, and vision. Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga brings all four. She does not seek re-election out of entitlement but out of duty to her party and her country. In her, the NRM has a loyal servant, a proven administrator, and a national icon who continues to inspire confidence both at home and abroad.
As delegates prepare to cast their votes, the question is not whether Rebecca Kadaga deserves to retain her seat. The question is whether the NRM can afford to lose a leader of her caliber. Her unmatched record of service, her grassroots credibility, and her unshakable commitment to the movement make her the clear and ideal choice for NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
