The first Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has accused President Yoweri Museveni and the Speaker Anita Among of bankrolling legislators from Busoga to undermine her.
In the viral video clip Kadaga says Kigulu South MP Milton Muwuma and his Kagoma North counterpart Brandon Kintu have been running to Bukedea to pick money for this mission while others have been running after the President demanding for payment for their efforts in undermining her.
Kadaga’s political bombshell comes just days ahead of President Yoweri Museveni 4 – day visit to Busoga that begins on January 22.
This is the second political bombshell against the president that the former speaker is letting out. While appearing on SK Mbuga’s STV towards the 2021 general elections, Kadaga boasted of how she had helped Museveni’s political survival through the removal of both age and term limits.
Unlike the 2021 attack, Kadaga alleges that the scheme against her involves officials from Busoga Kingdom led by Osman Ahmed the kingdom’s 2nd deputy premier and Babirye Yudaya, a Kyabazinga Minister.
Her outbursts have put a heavy burden on mobilization efforts ahead of Mr. Museveni’s visit dividing both political and cultural leaders alike.
But why is Kadaga furious?
While still powerful as deputy and later Speaker of the 7th,8th,9th and 10th Parliament, Kadaga held grip over Busoga MPs as chairperson of the region’s Parliamentary caucus. This helped her to exercise control over almost all MPs. Those who did not submit to her control were often sidelined.
She has since lost this to Bunya South Mp Iddi Isabirye with almost all legislators paying loyalty to Isabirye leaving her isolated.
Anita Among’s bid for NRM CEC
Legislators loyal to Speaker Anita Among have started campaigning for her to dislodge Kadaga as 2nd National Vice Chairperson (female) at the NRM Central Executive Committee, a top prime organ that oversees the party.
This would be bad news for Kadaga who fought to retain the seat in the 2020 elections and faces a more formidable candidate. Anita Among has neutralized former Kadaga loyalists that the former speaker now accuses of getting money from Among to undermine her.
Kadaga claims she helped those fighting her to become MPs and it surprises her to see them abandon her and running to Anita Among.
The Changing face of Busoga Kingdom
Over the last 10 years, Busoga Kingdom has been changing in image and influence with a number of public relations activities and partnerships.
The Kyabazinga has overgrown pseudo influences and taken full control of his kingdom with a robust mid – age cabinet led by Dr. Joseph Muvawala.
In the corporate world MTN has been leading sponsorships for the Masaza cup, the royal wedding, Idd celebrations and several dinners hosted at the Kyabazinga palace in Igenge.
Muvawala and his 2nd Deputy Katukkiro Osman Ahmed have been shining well in these advancements and not Kadaga as previously known. Her influence has been fast – fading.
This perhaps explains why she couldn’t address her pains to the Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope hence the public outburst.
In her bombshell, Kadaga says Mr. Museveni and Anita Among now using Osman Ahmed, Babirye Yudaya, MPs Milton Muwuma and Brandon Kintu were fermenting dissent in the kingdom and seeking to delineate those who fought to restore it.
Osman Ahmed is a vibrant businessman and known philanthropist whose acumen the Kyabazinga has endorsed.
Kadaga however insists she is the giant of the region dismissing the alleged schemes against her as futile.
This is not the first time the former Speaker of Parliament is out venomous attacks against fellow politicians.
Towards every election cycle, Kadaga has always singled out her ‘enemies’ and successfully led to their downfall. Some of her victims over the years include the late Kirunda Kivejinja, former MPs Edward Baliddawa Kafuufu, Moses Grace Balyeku, Daudi Migereko, Moses Kizige, Isaac Musumba, Asuman Kiyingi and Rehema Watongola (RIP).
Will Milton Muwuma and Brandon Kintu survive the latest onslaught?
About the Author
Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya is a journalist whose career spans over two decades. He is passionate about business, social-economic transformation and neonatal health. He can be reached on 0703700309 or Email: smlmediac@gmail.com