KAMPALA, Uganda — What had appeared to be a settled contest for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a series of cryptic but unusually blunt social media posts by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
For weeks, political insiders within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) had largely viewed Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as frontrunners for another term after receiving backing from the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
However, Gen Muhoozi’s latest remarks have reignited speculation that influential factions within the ruling establishment may be reconsidering their support ahead of the formation of the next Parliament.
“We have another candidate…call him/her the PLU candidate,” Gen Muhoozi posted on X, setting off intense political speculation in Kampala over whether the Patriotic League of Uganda could field or back an alternative candidate against Among.
In another post, he wrote: “Whether Anita or Mao or whoever the will of Mzee will prevail!” before adding: “PLU supports whatever position President Museveni takes and we do not listen to NRM’s CEC.”
The comments came shortly after President Yoweri Museveni reportedly told delegates at the ongoing NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi that discussions on the Speaker position would be addressed “at the right time,” signalling that the race may still be open despite earlier endorsements.
Growing political weight
Gen Muhoozi’s statements carry significant political influence within Uganda’s ruling circles.
Beyond his role as army chief, the general has steadily expanded his political footprint through Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a movement that has increasingly attracted younger legislators and sections of the ruling party base.
Political observers in Kampala say his public signals often shape internal mobilisation and elite alignments within the NRM.
The latest developments have intensified debate around the Speakership at a politically sensitive moment, particularly after public scrutiny surrounding reports that Speaker Among recently acquired a Rolls Royce vehicle reportedly valued at about Shs3.4 billion.
The luxury vehicle, allegedly imported from the United Kingdom, has dominated political discourse on Ugandan social media platforms, with critics questioning the symbolism of such expenditure amid rising living costs and economic pressures facing ordinary citizens.
Among has reportedly maintained that the vehicle was a gift, although the explanation has continued to attract criticism online.
Gen Muhoozi appeared to indirectly reference the controversy in one of his strongest public remarks yet.
“I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a rolls royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either,” he wrote.
He followed it with another sharply worded statement: “Our job is to SERVE Ugandans not ourselves! I cannot support corruption! I risked my life to make this country peaceful. Now that it is, it will not be taken by thieves. Never!”
In another post, Muhoozi criticised what he described as excessive parliamentary expenditure, arguing that public resources should instead support “millions of Ugandans living in shacks, with no water or power.”
Speakership contest reopens
The remarks have fuelled speculation that PLU could abandon support for Among despite earlier signals of unity within the ruling establishment.
PLU Secretary General Daudi Kabanda appeared to reinforce that possibility when he posted: “The PLU Candidates for Speakership shall win massively.”
Political analysts say the comments may indicate the emergence of an alternative power centre within the NRM ahead of Uganda’s evolving succession dynamics and broader political realignments.
Attention has now shifted to who PLU may eventually support should it formally move away from Among.
Also Read: Museveni backs another term for Speaker Among, Deputy Tayebwa
Some political insiders believe Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa could emerge as a compromise candidate due to his growing popularity among legislators and sections of the ruling party’s younger generation.
Others have floated the name of Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth as a possible consensus figure acceptable to both political and security establishments.
The uncertainty comes as Uganda prepares for the transition into the 12th Parliament following recent parliamentary elections and as internal competition within the ruling party increasingly plays out in public.
While no formal challenge to Among has yet been declared, Muhoozi’s intervention has significantly altered the political mood in Kampala and reopened what many had considered a settled race.
In Uganda’s political landscape, observers note, cryptic signals from Muhoozi are rarely ignored.
