Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga is a prominent Ugandan lawyer and politician. Born on 24 May 1956 in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda, she holds Ugandan nationality. She has served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs since June 2021. Previously, she was the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda from 2011 to 2021, making her the first woman to hold that position.
Kadaga has dedicated her career to public service, women’s empowerment, and strengthening parliamentary institutions. As a long-serving Member of Parliament for the Kamuli District Women’s Constituency since 1989, she has influenced Ugandan politics for over three decades. Her leadership emphasizes discipline, integrity, and regional cooperation within East Africa.
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga Early Life and Education
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was born on 24 May 1956 in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda, to George Wilson Kadaga Madali and Eve Kagoya. She grew up in a family with strong Anglican roots, and her early environment fostered values of honesty, integrity, and community service.
She attended Shimoni Primary School and later Namasagali College for her secondary education. Kadaga pursued higher education at Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1978. She completed a Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law Development Center in Kampala in 1979.
Driven by a commitment to women’s issues, she furthered her studies at the University of Zimbabwe. In 2000, she obtained a Diploma in Women’s Law, followed by a Master of Arts (MA) in Women’s Law in 2003. In recognition of her contributions, Nkumba University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree in 2019.
Her educational path combined legal expertise with a focus on gender and regional affairs, preparing her for a distinguished career in law and politics.
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga Career
Kadaga began her professional journey in private legal practice between 1984 and 1988. She became the first woman to establish a law firm in Uganda, known as M/S Kadaga and Co. Advocates, marking a significant milestone for women in the legal field.
In 1989, community leaders encouraged her to enter politics. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Kamuli District Women’s Constituency, a seat she has held continuously. This long tenure reflects strong local support in the Busoga sub-region.
Her ministerial roles started in 1996 when she served as Minister of State for Regional Cooperation (Africa and the Middle East) until 1998. She then held positions as Minister of State for Communication and Aviation (1998–1999) and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (1999–2000). In 1996, she also acted as Secretary General of the East African Women Parliamentarians Association.
In 2001, Kadaga made history as the first woman elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament, serving until 2011. On 19 May 2011, she became the first female Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, a role she held until May 2021. She was re-elected Speaker in 2016 after the general elections.
As Speaker, she chaired key committees, including the Appointments Committee, Parliamentary Commission, and Business Committee. She presided over important sessions, such as the 2017 constitutional amendment that removed the presidential age limit. Kadaga advocated for parliamentary independence and women’s participation in governance.
In June 2021, following her tenure as Speaker, she was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. She continues to serve in these roles, focusing on regional integration and national development. She was re-elected as MP in 2026.
Throughout her career, Kadaga has received several honors, including the Golden Jubilee Award from the President of Uganda, the Grand Officer of the Republic of Benin, and the Africa Women’s Good Governance Award. These recognitions highlight her contributions to leadership and women’s emancipation.
Her work has emphasized mentoring young women in law and politics, promoting good governance, and advancing East African cooperation. Kadaga’s leadership style combines firmness with a focus on discipline and public service.
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga Personal Life
Kadaga maintains a relatively private personal life despite her high public profile. She was raised in a large family with strong religious values, and these roots have influenced her principles of integrity and community involvement. She has spoken about the importance of humility and hard work instilled from her humble beginnings.
She values a disciplined lifestyle and has noted that she avoids certain social scenes, preferring focus on her responsibilities. Kadaga has children, including a son named Timothy who has followed in legal footsteps, but she keeps family details away from the public spotlight to maintain balance between her demanding career and personal commitments.
Her dedication to public service has defined much of her adult life, and she continues to inspire many as a trailblazer for women in leadership across Africa.
Conclusion
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga stands as one of Uganda’s most influential figures. From her pioneering role as the first woman to open a law firm to becoming the first female Speaker of Parliament and now serving as First Deputy Prime Minister, her journey reflects resilience, excellence, and commitment to national progress.
Her contributions to women’s rights, parliamentary strengthening, and East African affairs have left a lasting impact. As Uganda and the region face ongoing challenges, Kadaga’s experience and leadership remain valuable assets. She exemplifies how dedication and integrity can drive meaningful change, serving as a role model for future generations of leaders, especially young women aspiring to public service.
FAQs
What is Rebecca Kadaga’s date of birth and place of birth?
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga was born on 24 May 1956 in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda.
What positions does Rebecca Kadaga currently hold?
She serves as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and the Minister for East African Community Affairs.
What are Rebecca Kadaga’s major educational qualifications?
She holds an LLB from Makerere University, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center, a Diploma and MA in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Nkumba University.
How long has Rebecca Kadaga been a Member of Parliament?
She has represented the Kamuli District Women’s Constituency since 1989, making it over 35 years of continuous service.
What historic firsts has Rebecca Kadaga achieved?
She was the first woman to establish a law firm in Uganda, the first female Deputy Speaker, and the first female Speaker of Parliament in Uganda.
What are some key achievements in Rebecca Kadaga’s career?
Her achievements include long-term ministerial roles, leadership in Parliament, advocacy for women’s issues, regional cooperation efforts, and receiving multiple national and international awards for governance and leadership.