Kadaga supporters plot her Busoga homecoming, heroine's welcome
Over the past week, organisers in the districts of Kamuli, Iganga and Jinja have held crisis meetings to fundraise for a hero’s welcome scheduled for today, Friday, September 19, 2025.
Minister Kadaga being received by her supporters at her nomination for the Kamuli District Woman MP sat in the recent party primaries. (Credit: Tom Gwebayanga)
By Tom Gwebayanga
Journalists @New Vision
JINJA - Supporters of First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, nicknamed “Maama Busoga,” have mobilised for a grand homecoming in her native Busoga region.
Over the past week, organisers in the districts of Kamuli, Iganga and Jinja have held crisis meetings to fundraise for a hero’s welcome scheduled for today, Friday, September 19, 2025.
A Triumphal Return?
Chairperson of the organising committee, Prince Robert Bwamiki, said “Big crowds will greet her at Jinja Bridge at 10:00am, followed by a convoy to Jinja City Square.
The procession will conclude at Kamuli Town Playground, her constituency, where she’ll address supporters.”
The event aims to counter the narrative that her defeat in the 2025 National Resistance Movement (NRM) party's top decision-making organ (CEC) elections diminished her political clout.
Kadaga lost the election to her former protege and replacement in Parliament as Speaker, Annet Anita Among, in an election that drew ire even from President Museveni over remarks made by Kadaga.
According to the committee treasurer, Eng. Dr. John Mbadhwe, Kadaga is 'Busoga’s political mother. She’s championed the region for decades, mentoring leaders and technocrats. Despite recent losses, she deserves this tribute.
A fractured political legacy
Kadaga’s reportedly strained relationship with the Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga (OBB) Kingdom intensified after the NRM primaries, where kingdom youth minister Veronica Vennal Kagona challenged her for the Kamuli District Woman MP seat.
Kadaga accused the kingdom of backing Kagona, whom she dismissed as a “little girl” undermining her legacy.
In a fiery public rebuke, she alleged corruption within the kingdom, citing land sales and embezzlement by official.
“I used the Speaker’s post to influence Gabula’s enthronement. I’m furious the Kingdom cleared Kagona to challenge me.”
Kadaga’s silence since losing the CEC race, including skipping the Kyabazinga’s 11th Coronation anniversary celebrations has fuelled intrigue.
Her homecoming speech, expected to draw thousands, could redefine her political future.
For now, supporters remain defiant: “This isn’t just a welcome, it’s a statement,” said one organiser.