As the 2026 general elections draw near, tension and speculation dominate Uganda’s political atmosphere. Politicians and citizens alike brace for a contentious period as aspirants compete for parliamentary and ministerial seats; positioning themselves for the next presidential term. Historically, this pre-election seasons have always been turbulent, filled with shifting alliances, grassroots mobilization, and a heightened rhetoric.
Despite the opposition’s growing influence, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continues to dominate the political landscape, maintaining its stronghold through strategic regional campaigns and local engagement at district level. Two critical regions in this upcoming electoral equation are non-other than: Busoga and Teso regions that have played a significant role in shaping the NRM’s past and potentially its future.
To understand the stakes, it’s important to examine the party’s key figures and historical dominance in these areas. Since the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) ascension in 1986, the Busoga region welcomed the movement, in part due to the influence of Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the long-serving Woman Member of Parliament for Kamuli District and former Speaker of Parliament. A trailblazer for women’s rights, Kadaga began her parliamentary journey in 1989 and has remained one of the longest-serving and most influential politicians in Uganda to date.
Kadaga’s efforts went beyond legislative work as she played a pivotal role in the coronation of the current Kyabazinga of Busoga, an act that strengthened NRM’s cultural and political roots among the 4.4 million people within the sub-region. Her loyalty and service have earned her the title of the first female chairperson of the NRM, a position that was reportedly created specifically for her.
However, the tides of fortune have shifted. Kadaga’s once unshakable grip on influence amongst the top brass and echelons of the party has now waned. Largely due to internal party dynamics and her eventual replacement as Speaker by her then-deputy late Jacob Oulanyah and now Ms Anita Among. This transition marked a new chapter in Uganda’s legislative leadership and an internal power struggle that reflects the broader generational shift within the NRM.
Today, the current Speaker of Parliament Anita Among leads with a combination of discipline and populist appeal. Her leadership has resonated strongly in Teso, where she continues to champion development through education, infrastructure, and community funding. Among’s accessibility, combined with her candid and assertive demeanor, has earned her popularity both within the party and across Uganda.
The Teso region has emerged as a promising NRM stronghold, bolstered by a contingent of 30 to 35 Members of Parliament and prominent cabinet members such as Vice President Jessica Alupo (Katakwi), Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo, and Minister of State for Education and Sports Peter Ogwang. In contrast, Busoga, despite its larger population, is seen as lagging in political ambition and mobilization. Teso, coupled with its population figures, comes in handy as Busoga grands towards NRM aren’t well grounded as seen by the inroads registered by opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
As the old adage goes, “Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t.” The NRM must tread carefully as it strategizes for the 2026 elections. Its choice of ‘candidate’ to elevate within these two critical regions will significantly influence voter sentiment. Ms Kadaga, despite her diminished political clout, remains a symbol of party loyalty and continues to rally support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Meanwhile, Ms Among represents the party’s future—young, vocal, and deeply embedded in grassroots initiatives.
The political landscape ahead resembles a chessboard, where every move counts. The NRM must now decide whether to bet on its historical loyalists or invest in the rising stars who are redefining the party’s image. As Uganda approaches another turning point, one thing remains clear: in this game of power, the side that loses its queen often loses the match.
