By Isaac Christopher Lubogo
SuiGeneris School of Thought — “Where Loyalty to Nation Supersedes Loyalty to Power”
DISCLAIMER: This Is a Mirror, Not a Mandate
> “The future is not inherited. It is sculpted—by those with vision, and by those who dare to choose reason over routine.”
— Isaac Christopher Lubogo
This essay is not a prediction. It is not a poll. It is not a partisan endorsement. Rather, it is a thoughtful, strategic reflection — a mirror held up to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and to Uganda itself. It is based on public records, observed performance, and the pressing national interest. It does not represent electoral intentions or affiliations. It is, above all, a call to strategic wisdom in leadership selection. This reflection is authored solely to provoke rigorous national conversation at a time when Uganda stands between post-liberation fatigue and pre-transition anxiety.
I. Uganda at a Crossroads: Why This Debate Matters
The NRM’s upcoming selection of its Vice Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) is more than a symbolic event. It is a seismic indicator of the party’s internal cohesion, ideological future, and Uganda’s preparedness for the inevitable question: What comes after Museveni?
The ongoing contest between Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (RAK) and Anita Annet Among (AAA) has triggered wide speculation and divided opinion. Both women are political giants in their own right. But Uganda’s political health can no longer afford decisions based solely on loyalty, optics, or proximity to power. The next Vice CEC should reflect Uganda’s strategic interests, not just NRM’s internal arithmetic. This decision must respond to six urgent national imperatives: continuity, diplomacy, generational balance, institutional memory, gender credibility, and internal party healing.
II. The Strategic Imperatives That Should Guide NRM’s Choice
Uganda’s political terrain is transitioning — slowly, subtly, but inevitably. To safeguard national cohesion and constitutional order, the party must select leadership that can embody and defend these key national interests:
1. A stable and inclusive transition process post-Museveni.
2. Strong institutional and constitutional literacy, crucial in an age of contested governance.
3. Regional diplomatic stature, especially in the East African Community and AU contexts.
4. A credible generational bridge to re-unite the old guard with the rising political class.
5. Restoration of internal party credibility and procedural legitimacy.
6. Empowerment of authentic women leaders who rise by merit, not by patronage.
With these benchmarks in mind, let us evaluate both RAK and AAA through reasoned, evidence-based prose — not speculation or sentiment.
III. Rebecca Kadaga (RAK): The Matriarch of Statecraft
Rebecca Kadaga’s political life spans over three decades, deeply embedded in Uganda’s constitutional development, parliamentary growth, and regional diplomacy. As former Deputy Speaker and Speaker of Parliament, Kadaga steered Uganda’s legislative body during some of its most turbulent transitions, including the age limit debate. Now serving as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, she remains strategically placed at the intersection of domestic governance and regional diplomacy.
Kadaga offers something rare in contemporary Ugandan politics: a blend of statecraft, institutional memory, and cross-generational appeal. She commands deep respect among traditional structures, especially in Busoga and eastern Uganda. Her longstanding advocacy for women’s rights, legal reform, and regional cooperation makes her an elder stateswoman in the true African sense — grounded, seasoned, and not easily swept into factionalism.
More importantly, Kadaga possesses autonomy of thought. Her well-documented tensions with State House demonstrate her ability to navigate politics with integrity, not merely loyalty. She is not perceived as a political puppet, but rather as a strategic counterbalance — someone who could hold the CEC together during uncertain transitions.
IV. Anita Among (AAA): The Meteoric Rise of Political Might
Anita Annet Among is a powerful symbol of Uganda’s rising generation of politicians. Her ascendancy has been swift, marked by her current position as Speaker of Parliament. Backed heavily by the State, she has positioned herself as a no-nonsense, disciplined operator with a commanding grip on parliamentary procedure and political messaging. Her proximity to State House and the First Family places her firmly within the current inner circle of power.
Among’s supporters view her as the embodiment of Uganda’s youthful energy, representing a break from the old guard and a shift towards a more assertive — if controversial — leadership style. Her confidence is matched by a strong media presence and an aura of invincibility.
Yet herein lies the risk. AAA is seen by many as a polarizing figure — decisive but feared, visible but not unifying, powerful but not inclusive. Her leadership style, while effective, has sometimes been criticized as suppressive of dissent. The rapidity of her rise has also raised questions: is she a grassroots product or a beneficiary of elite endorsement? Her regional and diplomatic exposure remains limited, and her capacity to bridge Uganda’s deeper institutional gaps remains largely untested.
V. The Strategic Scorecard
On experience and institutional memory, Kadaga is unrivaled. She brings decades of legal, parliamentary, and ministerial experience. Among, while competent, has yet to demonstrate the same depth of national and regional exposure.
On diplomacy and continental stature, Kadaga again excels. Her current EAC portfolio, coupled with years of inter-parliamentary engagement, gives her an edge. Among’s profile remains mostly domestic.
On generational bridge-building, Kadaga offers calm guidance to the young while retaining trust from the elders. Among symbolizes youth ascendancy but does so in a manner that may alienate rather than unify older cadres.
On internal party cohesion, Kadaga is seen as a mediator. Among is more of a consolidator — effective, but not always conciliatory.
On public trust and gender credibility, Kadaga’s rise is seen as authentic, shaped over time. Among’s rise, though dramatic, is seen as politically engineered — and risks being perceived as tokenism in high heels.
On autonomy and courage, Kadaga has shown willingness to stand alone when necessary. Among is deeply tied to the current power structure and may struggle to project independent judgment in moments of crisis.
VI. Beyond Personalities: What Each Candidate Symbolizes
To choose Kadaga is to choose statesmanship over showmanship, diplomacy over dominance, and maturity over muscle. It is to anchor the party in memory while preparing for change with measured hands.
To choose Among is to choose energy, immediacy, and command. But it also risks accelerating Uganda’s shift toward overcentralized power and potentially volatile leadership transition scenarios.
Uganda cannot afford to confuse momentum for readiness, or loyalty for strategy.
VII. Conclusion: The Future Demands Discernment, Not Expediency
> “To build a nation is to choose wisdom over momentum — not because speed is wrong, but because direction matters more.”
— Isaac Christopher Lubogo
This debate is not a battle between two women. It is a philosophical contest between two models of leadership.
Uganda must decide whether the next Vice Chairperson of the CEC will be a bridge-builder for the future or an enforcer of the present. Between RAK and AAA, both offer strength — but only one offers measured, stabilizing, pan-African stewardship.
If this election is about more than filling a seat — if it is about securing Uganda’s political future beyond 2026 — then Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga remains the more strategic, diplomatic, and nationally beneficial choice.
Signed,
Isaac Christopher Lubogo
SuiGeneris School of Thought
“Where Loyalty to Nation Supersedes Loyalty to Power”.
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