Related Articles
In a highly charged political rally at Mbogo Mosque grounds, Anita Among, the second national vice chairperson of the ruling NRM party, made a resounding pledge to change the political narrative in Kawempe Division. She promised to make history by delivering a political victory for President Yoweri Museveni in this traditionally opposition-dominated area. Among’s words weren’t just rhetoric; they were a declaration of war on the entrenched opposition presence in Kawempe, an area that has been an opposition stronghold for decades.
Kawempe has long been a tough nut to crack for the NRM party. Ever since the early years of Uganda’s multiparty democracy, starting in 1996, the division has consistently rejected Museveni’s party. While other Kampala divisions like Rubaga and Makindye leaned more favorably towards the NRM, Kawempe remained a fortress for opposition politics.
For instance, in the 2001 general elections, while Museveni won comfortably in other parts of Kampala, Kawempe threw its weight behind opposition candidates like Nasser Takuba, Sebuliba Mutumba, and Latif Sebaggala, all of whom defeated NRM’s contenders.
Anita Among, herself a resident of Kawempe, is well aware of the division’s political landscape. Her statement that she intends to deliver Kawempe to Museveni is no small promise, especially considering that this division has consistently voted for opposition candidates.
In the early 2000s, Kawempe was even a bedrock for Kizza Besigye’s presidential campaigns. While Besigye lagged behind Museveni in other Kampala divisions, Kawempe overwhelmingly backed him, giving him the highest number of votes in the city. This historical support for the opposition makes Among’s pledge all the more ambitious.
Yet, it is this challenge that fuels Among’s determination. As the NRM’s second national vice chairperson, she understands that winning Kawempe is more than just a political victory; it’s a statement. A win in Kawempe would not only prove the NRM’s resilience but also silence the critics who view the opposition’s dominance in this division as unshakable. “I am a resident of Kawempe. I know the challenges of this area better than anyone,” Among declared, emphasizing her deep understanding of the local terrain.
Her commitment to deliver a win for Museveni has been fortified by a series of strategic moves. Among highlighted that her efforts were not just political but were grounded in tangible developments. For instance, she introduced Ismail Musiitwa, a former member of the opposition FDC, who switched allegiance to NRM. Musiitwa had been a candidate for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat but agreed to step down in favor of Faridah Nambi, the NRM flag bearer, thereby boosting NRM’s chances in the area.
Among’s political influence goes beyond individual candidates. She also brought attention to infrastructure projects that President Museveni will soon be delivering to Kawempe. These include the upgrading of Mpererwe-Kitezi Road, a significant development aimed at easing the movement of people and goods in the area. Additionally, Among spoke about the planned elevation of Komamboga Health Centre IV to the status of a general hospital, a move that promises to improve healthcare services for thousands of residents.
During her speech, Among also reassured the youth of Kawempe, promising them a brighter future under the leadership of Museveni. “Only Museveni has the resources to transform the lives of young people in Kawempe sustainably,” she said. She added that the NRM government had already initiated various youth programs aimed at empowering the younger generation, including job creation and skills training initiatives.
Her remarks were well-received by the ghetto residents, with whom she had spent significant time interacting before the rally. Many of them were excited about the possibilities of economic upliftment and better infrastructure. Among used the occasion to promote the upcoming NDP 4 program, which, according to her, would bring mobile laboratories to Kawempe, directly benefiting local residents. This initiative would be attached to Kawempe Hospital, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for the community.
But it wasn’t all about development projects. Among also tackled sensitive issues that had been causing unrest among the locals, notably the decision by Mulago Hospital’s management to fence off a public open space that had traditionally been used by Kawempe residents for recreation and large gatherings. This land had temporarily been handed over to Mulago during the COVID-19 pandemic but had never been returned. Among called on President Museveni to intervene and direct Mulago’s management to hand back the space to the people of Kawempe.
Land issues also featured prominently in Among’s speech. She expressed concern over the fact that many public markets in Kawempe were situated on private land, which did not belong to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). These markets, which serve thousands of people, are vulnerable because they sit on land owned by private individuals.
Among appealed to the President to find funds to purchase these lands so that the markets could be formally recognized as government property, just like Wandegeya Market, which is the only public market in Kawempe that is government-owned.
Despite these local concerns, Among was clear in her belief that the residents of Kawempe were growing disillusioned with the opposition. “The youths in Kawempe have rejected calls by opposition leaders to riot or destroy property after January 15th,” she said. She attributed this shift in attitude to the realization that opposition leaders were using the youth for their own gains while their own children enjoyed comfort and safety abroad. According to Among, the youth were beginning to see that the NRM offers the real chance for change and improvement.
Among’s confident prediction for the 2026 elections was that Museveni would secure a victory in at least 80% of Uganda’s districts, with Kawempe being a key battleground. Her optimism was grounded in her belief in the President’s ability to unite the country and deliver on his promises of socio-economic transformation. She pointed to Museveni’s tireless campaigning across the country as evidence of his stamina and commitment to the people. “He has shown unprecedented energy in his quest to bring change to every corner of Uganda,” Among said, further solidifying her faith in the NRM’s ability to triumph.
Her speech was a clear attempt to energize the NRM base in Kawempe and other opposition strongholds, showing that with the right strategies and local support, even the most difficult electoral areas could be turned around. Among’s words were a call to action for the NRM faithful, and they were received with enthusiasm by the crowd. Many saw her as the face of NRM’s new strategy to tackle opposition-dominated regions head-on.
Among’s efforts to deliver Kawempe to Museveni are emblematic of a larger trend within the NRM, where local leaders are being empowered to take charge of their own regions and secure victories in traditionally opposition-friendly areas. This decentralized approach could be the key to strengthening NRM’s position across the country and ensuring that the party remains a formidable force in Uganda’s political landscape.
For Anita Among, the task ahead is daunting but not impossible. Her knowledge of Kawempe, her strategic moves, and her deep-rooted connection with the local people give her an edge in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched electoral battles in Uganda’s political history. Whether or not she can deliver on her promise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: she is not backing down from the challenge.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Kawempe, and on Anita Among, to see whether the opposition’s stronghold in the division can finally be broken. Among’s bold pledge to make history by securing Kawempe for Museveni could very well be a game-changer in Uganda’s political future. Whether she succeeds or not, her efforts are sure to leave an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.
Amid the heightened political rhetoric, one of the most significant aspects of Among’s strategy is her ability to blend both grassroots engagement with high-level political maneuvering. Unlike many politicians who remain disconnected from their constituencies, Among has made it a priority to be on the ground, actively listening to the concerns of the people in Kawempe. This direct engagement gives her a unique advantage in understanding the issues that matter most to the residents, from healthcare and infrastructure to land rights and employment. By maintaining a visible presence in the area, she has established herself as a true representative of the people, not just a distant politician.
One of the core issues for the residents of Kawempe has been the lack of sufficient public services, particularly in the area of healthcare. The expansion of Komamboga Health Centre IV to a general hospital status and the addition of mobile laboratories to serve the Kawempe community are critical steps in addressing these concerns.
Among’s announcement of these improvements signals that the NRM is not only focused on political victories but is also committed to tangible developments that enhance the quality of life for ordinary citizens. If these projects come to fruition, they could transform healthcare access for thousands of people who previously had to travel long distances to receive basic medical services.
However, Kawempe’s transformation is not just about healthcare and infrastructure. Among also spoke about the importance of economic empowerment for the youth. By providing better access to job opportunities and business support, especially through government-backed initiatives, the NRM hopes to address one of the biggest challenges facing Kawempe: youth unemployment.
Young people in the area, many of whom have been frustrated by a lack of opportunities, are crucial to this vision. If Among can successfully convince the youth that Museveni’s government offers the most viable path forward, it could turn the tide in favor of the NRM in a region that has often been seen as an opposition stronghold.
Finally, Among’s rhetoric on political unity and reconciliation should not be overlooked. While she is fiercely loyal to the NRM, her message to Kawempe’s residents is one of healing and collaboration. By calling for a rejection of violence and destruction in the aftermath of elections, she is promoting a more peaceful, forward-looking approach to politics.
She has effectively recognized the deep political divisions in Uganda, particularly in areas like Kawempe, but rather than deepening those divisions, she aims to bridge them. This approach, focused on dialogue and understanding, could play a pivotal role in fostering long-term stability and unity in an increasingly polarized political environment.
