As Kamuli heads to the polls, the race for Woman Member of Parliament has drawn attention not for its competitiveness, but for the unusual persistence of one figure. Former Speaker of Parliament and current First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has held the Kamuli Woman MP seat since its inception, effectively limiting opportunities for younger women aspiring to take on the leadership.
Locals often refer to her challengers as Kadaga’s ‘political granddaughters,’ highlighting the generational gap in this contest. While other constituencies in Kamuli experience active campaigning, rallies, and vigorous competition, the Woman MP race remains quiet and predictable.
Critics argue that this prolonged tenure undermines the original purpose of affirmative-action seats, which were designed to nurture emerging leaders rather than concentrate power in a single individual for decades.
At 69, Kadaga’s long hold on the seat has limited opportunities for new leaders, with each election cycle presenting an uphill battle for challengers against someone who has dominated the position for more than three decades. Many observers question whether such prolonged incumbency is fair, especially when the role was intended to provide avenues for fresh voices in politics.
Despite the calls for change, Ms Kadaga continues to return to the same seat, preventing younger women from gaining political experience at a parliamentary level. Supporters say her long tenure provides stability, while critics argue it has led to stagnation and the monopolisation of a seat intended to empower many. This election is a test of whether Kamuli’s Woman MP seat will open to new leaders or stay in the hands of one long-serving figure. Five women want to end Kadaga’s 36-year rule. They include the following:
Proscovia Naikoba,40, Independent, NUP-leaning
A teacher with a Master’s Degree in Institutional Management and Leadership, Ms Naikoba said her third bid for the Kamuli Woman MP seat is driven by accountability and the need for renewed representation. ‘Mama Kadaga has risen to national prominence, but Kamuli deserves a leader with the energy and focus to champion local issues, push legislation that directly impacts our communities, and provide effective oversight,’ she said.
Ms Naikoba added that her campaign is not just about replacing a long-serving MP, but about restoring hope, empowering younger women, and ensuring that the voices of Kamuli residents are heard at every level of government.
‘This is an opportunity to reset Kamuli’s leadership. One that listens, delivers, and opens doors for the next generation,’ Ms Naikoba said. ‘She has had exposure and empowerment and should have graduated to a competitive seat,’ said Ms Naikoba, adding: ‘Remaining in affirmative action contradicts its original purpose.’
Noet Nangobi,29, Independent
Ms Noet Nangobi, a 29-year-old District Youth Councillor (NRM), is calling on Ms Kadaga to retire, urging that the younger generation should be given the opportunity to lead.
‘In 2002, she came to our school when I was in Primary Two and told us, ‘You are the leaders of tomorrow, the next Kadaga.’ Yet, here we are, where is that tomorrow?’ Ms Nangobi, a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, asked.
The Kamuli District Youth Councillor, who uses a ball as her campaign symbol, said she is ready to tackle pressing challenges by prioritising youth, women, children, and the elderly. ‘Issues of GBV, early marriages, and youth unemployment demand urgent policy attention,’ she said. Ms Nangobi also accused Ms Kadaga of failing to improve the local health system, adding that health facilities in the district remain in a sorry state.
Kiiza Nuubu Shanita, 28, Independent, NRM-leaning
A trained social worker, Ms Nuubu said it is time for a generational transition.
‘We must acknowledge that Mama Kadaga has served and risen to an honorary level, and it would be fitting for her to step aside respectfully and hand over the seat,’ she said.
Bridget Babirye, NUP
Ms Bridget Babirye (NUP), a fresh graduate from Kyambogo University with a Bachelor of Education in Arts, said she is determined to end Ms Kadaga’s long tenure as Kamuli District Woman MP. ‘I have grown up knowing Kadaga as the Woman MP for Kamuli District. I want the people to see a fresh face and a new leadership style,’ Ms Babirye said.
Ms Babirye referred her bid as a protest against the prolonged occupation of the affirmative action seat by Ms Kadaga.
‘Young people are reclaiming their space. It is time for new energy to match the changing generation,’ she added.
Ms Babirye, who is contesting for the second time after losing to Ms Kadaga in 2021, acknowledged that Ms Kadaga has contributed significantly to Kamuli.
‘She has done enough for the district; it’s time to allow others to build on her legacy,’ she said. Ms Babirye added that Ms Kadaga’s long stay in power and advanced age signal the need for new leadership.
‘Young people should challenge the control of their affirmative seats, calling for fresh, youthful leadership that reflects the changing trends and interests of the broader youth population,” she said.
Ritah Nakisige, 30, Independent
A lawyer and advocate from Uganda Christian University, she has adopted the slogan ‘Kamuli get out of poverty’ calling on the district to shed its poverty label and promises a renewed Kamuli fit for the next generation. On transition politics, she argues that Kamuli must plan for continuity rather than a leadership vacuum, stressing the need for a clear successor to carry the district forward after Kadaga.
‘We acknowledge and credit Mama Kadaga for laying a strong foundation. What is critical now is to carry her legacy forward by deliberately preparing young leaders,” she said.
Kadaga campaign manager speaks
Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany and Kadaga’s chief campaign manager, Mr Stephen Mubiru, said she remains a mother figure, mentor, and inspiration, welcoming competition.
‘When a mother cow plays-fights with its calf, it’s training, not competition. Kadaga is doing the same, giving her young ‘granddaughters’ in politics hands-on experience,’ Mr Mubiru said.
He said Kadaga’s care for children is exceptional, and she has built a loyal network of civil servants and non-government organisations to support her political strategies. Kadaga remains one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators, with more than three decades in national politics.
Recently, reports circulated claiming she had been airlifted to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi in critical condition. However, her campaign aide, Mr Felix Isabirye, refuted the allegations, saying she is not bedridden but resting after an exhaustive presidential campaign tour in support of President Museveni.
Kadaga speak out
Ms Kadaga has dismissed concerns about the level of competition in the Kamuli District Woman MP seat, saying she remains focused on her work and confident of victory.
‘I am busy doing my work,’ Kadaga said, adding that her political base remains firm. ‘My voters are still there. They were there during the primaries, and you know how many votes I scored. I expect an even bigger margin this time because that was a college; this one is universal suffrage.’
Ms Kadaga said she is not worried about her challengers, noting that she deliberately avoids attacking or discussing her competitors. ‘That is why I don’t talk about my contestants. I just go on with my work.
Let us wait for the 15th, the population will decide,’ she said. She added that several aspirants had tested the political ground and withdrawn.
‘You go and test the ground. If you think you will get some votes, you go out yourself and leave. Kagona Veronica and Deborah Mwesigwa tested the ground during primaries and left. I am waiting for the new ones,’ Ms Kadaga said. Emphasising her commitment to democratic principles, Ms Kadaga said she does not believe in intimidating opponents.
‘I don’t want to demoralise the population. Let the people choose, give them a chance to decide,’ Ms Kadaga said, adding that democracy thrives on competition and that blocking rivals while claiming to be democratic denies voters their rights.