First Deputy Prime Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has launched a blistering counter-offensive against the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda. What began as a disagreement over regional interests has quickly spiraled into a public display of “unfinished business” between two of Busoga’s most powerful political figures.
The dispute, which has sent shockwaves through the ruling party, erupted after Babalanda accused Kadaga of frustrating her ministerial work and failing to prioritize the interests of their home region, Busoga. But Kadaga, a veteran who has never shied away from the “rough terrain” of political warfare, was quick to remind her colleague of the ladder she climbed.
A Debt of Gratitude or a Political Ghost?
In a stinging rebuttal, Rebecca Kadaga pulled back the curtain on Babalanda’s early political career, claiming she was the invisible hand behind the Minister’s rise.
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The Allegation: Kadaga alleged that she personally intervened to secure Babalanda’s initial appointment as a Deputy RDC.
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The Bombshell: She went further, claiming that at the time, Babalanda lacked the required academic qualifications, forcing Kadaga to “facilitate” the recommendation process to bypass the hurdles.
“I forged the papers for her appointment,” the subtext of Kadaga’s defense suggests, framing herself not as a villain, but as a kingmaker who is now witnessing the “betrayal” of her protege.
Questions of Capacity
The fallout didn’t stop at historical grievances. Rebecca Kadaga took aim at Babalanda’s current performance, questioning her ability to independently manage the Ministry for the Presidency. According to Kadaga, much of the heavy lifting in the ministry is handled by aides, rather than the Minister herself.
This narrative of “capacity versus optics” has added a layer of personal friction to an already tense regional rivalry. For Kadaga, this isn’t just a spat over policy; it’s a defense of her legacy in Busoga against a newcomer she claims to have authored.
Looking Ahead
As the NRM leadership watches this public fallout with bated breath, the question remains whether this bridge can be mended or if the fire will continue to burn toward 2031.
For now, Rebecca Kadaga has made one thing clear: she may be a diplomat by title, but she hasn’t lost the appetite for a fight. In the high-stakes world of NRM politics, the battle for Busoga has just entered its most volatile chapter yet.