Kampala, Uganda – August 28, 2025 – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) concluded its Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections at Kololo Independence Grounds, where over 23,000 delegates gathered to elect party leaders for the next five years. The polls, marked by high stakes and allegations of irregularities, resulted in a sweeping victory for newcomers, with most incumbents ousted from their positions. President Yoweri Museveni and First National Chairperson Moses Kigongo retained their roles unopposed, but the spotlight fell on the fierce contest between Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga for the Second National Vice Chairperson – Female position.

In a stunning landslide, Anita Among defeated Rebecca Kadaga, securing 11,680 votes (92.8%) against Kadaga’s 902 votes. This victory ends Kadaga’s 20-year tenure in the role, a significant political shift within the ruling party. The defeat was particularly poignant in Kadaga’s home region of Busoga, where she managed only 455 votes compared to Among’s 498, highlighting a erosion of her local influence.

Kadaga, a veteran NRM member and former Speaker of Parliament, expressed dissatisfaction with the process, citing issues of bribery, intimidation, and abuse of office. In her campaign, she emphasized her long-standing service to the party. Meanwhile, Among positioned herself as a unifier and mobilizer, attributes that resonated with delegates. Social media reactions, including commentary on X, noted the role of financial influence in the elections, with some users praising Kadaga for standing her ground despite the odds.

Beyond the headline race, the elections saw several other notable outcomes:

Position	Winner	Key Details
Vice Chairman – Eastern Uganda	David Calvin Echodu	Won after incumbent Capt Mike Mukula withdrew, defeating Mariam Naigaga.
Vice Chairperson – Kampala Region	Salim Uhuru	Defeated incumbent Singh Marwaha Katongole in a tight race.
Vice Chairperson – Central Region	Haruna Kasolo	Leading after other contenders, including Godfrey Kiwanda, withdrew; official results pending.
Vice Chairman – Western Region	Dr Chris Baryomunsi	Retained his seat, defeating Jonard Asiimwe and others—one of the few incumbents to survive.
Vice Chairperson – Northern Region	Denis Obua	Won against Daniel Kidega and Sam Engola, filling the vacancy left by the late Jacob Oulanyah.
Additional Seat (Unspecified)	John Baptist Lokii	Defeated multiple challengers to fill a vacancy left by a deceased incumbent.

The elections, which extended into the night with President Museveni in attendance, underscore a generational and strategic shift within NRM as it prepares for the 2026 general elections. While the results signal fresh energy, they also highlight internal tensions, including concerns over electoral integrity.

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