Written By | Peter Luzinda
Tayebwa has been annoited for his former position
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Kampala
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed all PLU (Patriotic League of Uganda) MPs and PLU-leaning Members of Parliament to back Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament. The directive comes after weeks of intense lobbying and speculation over the top leadership positions in Parliament. Tayebwa, who had earlier stated that he would only contest the position after receiving guidance from the President, is now set to receive unified support from the ruling side.
CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba, through his X handle confirmed the development, saying: “Following guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU-leaning MPs will support Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the Deputy Speakership. Congratulations to him.”
Museveni Guidance Reshapes Speakership Race
The latest endorsement effectively strengthens Tayebwa’s hold on the Deputy Speakership amid intense internal negotiations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Speakership contest itself has, however, remained fluid and politically charged.
Earlier this year, President Museveni had reportedly endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and Tayebwa for another term as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
But the political calculations later shifted after the PLU, led by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its earlier endorsement of Among and Tayebwa, instructing legislators to wait for Museveni’s final guidance.
The changing dynamics intensified speculation over divisions within the ruling establishment regarding the future leadership of Parliament.
In recent days, reports emerged indicating that Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, commonly known as Oboth Oboth, had secured backing from sections of the NRM and PLU for the Speakership position.
Among later stepped down from the race following internal consultations within the ruling party, paving the way for a possible consensus candidate.
The developments come at a politically sensitive time for Among, who has in recent months faced mounting scrutiny over corruption allegations, Parliament expenditure controversies, and investigations involving some parliamentary officials and associates. Although she has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, the controversies have increasingly shaped the debate surrounding the Speakership race.
Political analysts say the latest guidance consolidating support behind Tayebwa suggests that the ruling establishment may now be seeking continuity in the Deputy Speakership while reorganizing the top leadership structure of Parliament ahead of the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament.
The Speakership and Deputy Speakership races remain among the most closely watched political contests in Uganda, often reflecting broader power dynamics within the ruling NRM and the country’s evolving succession politics.
Torch Media Africa
