KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has formally directed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to support the re-endorsement of incumbent Speaker Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, for another five-year term leading Uganda’s Parliament, party officials have confirmed.
The move was communicated to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and ratified by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at its meeting on February 20, according to an NRM spokesperson.
“The Secretary General has just informed me that he has received the letter to that effect,” the party spokesperson said, confirming Museveni’s directive.
Museveni’s endorsement aims to maintain continuity in parliamentary leadership following a period of contested political realignment after the January 2026 general elections.
The CEC cited reasons such as the smooth passage of government-backed legislation and the perceived need to “neutralise opposition influence” and sustain strategic direction in the 12th Parliament.
Despite the party endorsement, several lawmakers have signalled intentions to challenge the incumbents ahead of the official election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker scheduled for May.
Among the declared contenders are:
- Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao
- Aringa South MP Yorke Odria
- Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto (NRM)
- Masindi District Woman MP Dr Florence Akiiki Asiimwe (NRM)
Under Article 82 of Uganda’s Constitution, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be elected by Members of Parliament from among themselves, with voting held by secret ballot under judicial supervision.
The Parliament’s Rules of Procedure require that candidates be sitting MPs and allow a secret ballot if the position is contested.
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In practice, however, party vetting and endorsement by the NRM’s CEC has traditionally shaped outcomes well ahead of formal parliamentary votes, reflecting internal coalition dynamics within the ruling party.
The endorsement comes amid broader competition for parliamentary leadership, with political commentators noting that the speakership contest is one of the most closely watched power plays in Uganda’s new legislature.
Opposition figures and some internal voices have raised concerns about financial incentives and political influence affecting the race, suggesting that the contest is about more than leadership competence alone.
For many MPs, retaining institutional cohesion and legislative continuity will be key considerations as they prepare for the formal speakership elections later this year.
