The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, is making a steady recovery at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after being airlifted earlier this week following health complications.
A source close to Ms Kadaga told the The Homeland Newspapper on Friday that her condition worsened due to what was described as campaign fatigue, just weeks to the polls, prompting her urgent evacuation for specialised treatment.
The source dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that the veteran legislator was critically ill or had died, describing the reports as false and misleading.
“The situation is not as bad as is being portrayed online,” the source said. “Mama Kadaga is responding well to treatment and is improving. We ask the public to remain calm and continue praying for her full recovery.”
Another source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, urged the public to ignore unverified information, particularly amid heightened political tensions.
“We all fall sick at some point in life. There is no need to cause panic, especially among her supporters,” the source said. “What matters is that she is steadily recovering.”
Both sources expressed appreciation to family, friends and well-wishers for the messages of support and concern received since news of her hospitalisation emerged.
Ms Kadaga, who has represented Kamuli District in Parliament since 1989, is one of Uganda’s longest-serving lawmakers and a prominent figure in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her health scare comes against the backdrop of shifting political fortunes within the party. Earlier this year, she lost the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) female vice chairperson race to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who secured an overwhelming majority of votes.
The outcome has fuelled debate about Ms Kadaga’s standing within the party, following public criticism from President Museveni during internal NRM meetings. In her home Busoga sub-region, the defeat has drawn mixed reactions, with some observers citing growing internal divisions.
Political analysts say the developments reflect changing power dynamics within the NRM, although Ms Kadaga remains an influential figure in government. She was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister in June 2021, after serving as Uganda’s first female Speaker of Parliament from 2011 to 2021.
In her current role, Ms Kadaga has led regional integration initiatives, including efforts to improve cross-border infrastructure such as the construction of a modern market at the Elegu border to address flooding, sanitation challenges and regional trade bottlenecks.
She has also championed social cohesion initiatives, including promoting peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities through sports, and has represented Uganda at international forums such as the African-Asian Legal Consultative Organisation, where she advocated for coordinated action against plastic pollution.
At home, Ms Kadaga has overseen the distribution of improved livestock breeds in parts of Busoga and publicly criticised officials over delays and misuse of government resources. She has also warned communities in Buyende District against selling land to speculators ahead of planned nuclear power projects.
Despite her recent illness, sources say her election campaign has remained active, with rallies held in Bugweri, Iganga and Kamuli to mobilise support for President Museveni. In September 2025, she launched a “Vote Museveni” campaign in Kamuli.
Ms Kadaga was recently recognised internationally after receiving a 2025 World Book of Records award in the United Kingdom for her contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
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