Thunderous applause for NUP MP Kaaya – who uprooted Nankabirwa – at Speaker Kadaga reelection campaign launch

Christine Nakimweero Kaaya, the National Unity Platform (NUP) politician who ended government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa’s 25-year-long reign as Kiboga Woman MP, received warm applause at Speaker Rebecca Kadaga’s reelection campaign launch at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

On March 24, Kadaga launched her campaign to retain the Speaker of Parliament job.

Kadaga is the incumbent speaker, after taking over from now 10-year-long vice president Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in 2011.

Before becoming speaker, Kadaga was Speaker Ssekandi’s deputy.

In the race due in May 2021, Kadaga is facing her deputy Jacob Oulanyah, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, and Democratic Party (DP) Bukoto Central MP-elect Richard Ssebamala.

Over 60 MPs, including NUP legislators, attended the campaign launch.

During the event, MPs greeted Kaaya’s introduction with a rousing applause.

The mention of Kiboga sounded like music to the ears of pro-Kadaga MPs who consider Nankabirwa the Speaker’s nemesis.

Weeks ago, Nankabirwa angered Kadaga and her MPs when she reminded the speaker of a ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) ‘agreement’ for Kadaga to step down for deputy Jacob Oulanyah to rise to the top after 10 years at the helm in 2021.

But Kadaga dismissed the CEC decision as not binding on the 11th Parliament.

Meanwhile, Nankabirwa insists there is no ‘war’ between her and Kadaga.

However, Nankabirwa openly supported junior minister Persis Namuganza against Kadaga in the NRM CEC polls, angering the speaker’s supporters in Parliament.