Rt. Hon. Nakadama: Five Years of Service

By Leticia Kahubire

As curtains fall on the 2021–2026 political term, we bring you highlights of the tenure of the Rt. Hon. 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio.

Over the last five years, Nakadama has actively promoted unity, inclusive development, women’s empowerment, and community transformation at the local and national levels.

For instance, she is the brain behind the Busoga Consortium, an organisation she has used to promote unity among leaders in the sub-region and coordinate and mobilise the people to embrace government programmes.

Nakadama, who is the Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, has also utilised the organisation and other platforms to shape Busoga’s development priorities and advance socioeconomic transformation.

She has also spearheaded the establishment of a skills centre in Mayuge District, which trains young people in various vocational fields, including tailoring, carpentry, baking, and hairdressing, among others.

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama (2nd from left) together with Hon. Balam Barugahara, Minister of Local Government (first from right) and other officials at the Afro-Arab Youth Conference at Speke Resort and Convention Centre

Additionally, Nakadama has promoted agricultural modernisation through international partnerships and knowledge exchange. She led engagements aimed at introducing improved livestock breeding technologies and modern farming practices in Busoga and other parts of the country to enhance productivity and household incomes.

She has also been a strong advocate for women’s leadership and gender equality. During international forums, including engagements at the United Nations and women’s leadership platforms in the United States, Nakadama highlighted female representation in Uganda’s politics, encouraging greater participation of women in decision-making processes.

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama in a group photo with staff from Parliament and Ministries, Departments and Agencies

Her active participation in global events such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77 China summits has strengthened Uganda’s international profile. Nakadama was reappointed as the 3^rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio by President Yoweri Museveni on 26 May 2026.