Politics 22 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rebecca Kadaga: Discipline, Sacrifice and Trailblazing Leadership in Uganda
Uganda's former Speaker of Parliament and current First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga shares how inspirations like Che Guevara shaped her disciplined path from law to politics, overcoming gender barriers and advocating for women. She offers practical advice to young women eyeing public office, stressing purpose and resilience amid sacrifices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/-you-won-t-find-me-in-a-bar-how-rebecca-kadaga-built-a-life-of-discipline-power-5398022
Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda’s pioneering female Speaker of Parliament from 2011 and now First Deputy Prime Minister, has built a career spanning over three decades in public service. Her journey began unexpectedly in 1989 when Kamuli District leaders convinced her to run for office, despite her thriving law practice and advocacy work with FIDA.
Inspired by Che Guevara’s sacrifices as a young student, Kadaga embraced a life of discipline over comfort. She avoided bars and nightlife, focusing instead on service. Early role models like Golda Meir and Indira Gandhi fueled her resolve to lead in male-dominated spaces.
As Speaker, she faced overt challenges to her authority but quickly asserted control. She tackled practical issues, installing women’s toilets, a daycare for MPs’ children, and pushing for 40% female committee chairs by amending rules. Kadaga also fought taxes on sanitary products and led anti-FGM campaigns, securing schools and funding in eastern Uganda.
Her current role emphasizes East African integration, including customs unions and a common currency, leveraging Uganda’s EAC chairmanship. Despite political setbacks like losing the Speakership in 2021, she prioritizes public interest.
To aspiring female politicians, Kadaga advises clarity of purpose and readiness for uncertainties, noting today’s role models unlike her era. Her Girl Guides upbringing instilled lasting values of honesty and integrity.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)