Kampala, Uganda: A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres has petitioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, demanding clarification on the procedure used by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to endorse Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa as the ruling party’s candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections of the 12th Parliament.
In a formal letter dated March 9, 2026, addressed to Museveni in his capacity as NRM National Chairman, the cadres, under the banner of the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), argue that the endorsement was made before several key procedural stages required under the party’s parliamentary caucus rules had been completed.
Their letter in particular raises concerns about an alleged departure from established party procedures in identifying candidates for the two top parliamentary leadership positions.
“It is our understanding that the endorsement referenced above occurred before several key procedural stages had been completed,” the cadres wrote in a letter, which was received by the NRM Electoral Commission, the NRM Secretariat, and the party’s Directorate of Legal Services.
According to the disgruntled cadres, the steps that were allegedly bypassed include the gazettement of Special Interest Group representatives to Parliament, the formal constitution of the full NRM Parliamentary Caucus, and the submission of expressions of interest by eligible Members of Parliament before the caucus convenes to nominate official party candidates.
The cadres emphasised that their letter is not directed at the individuals endorsed by the party leadership but rather at the integrity of the internal process used to identify candidates.
“Our concern is not directed at the distinguished leaders currently occupying those offices. Rather, it relates to the procedural integrity of the process through which the Movement identifies its candidates for such important constitutional positions,” the letter states.
Ivan Mwijukye, one of the signatories to the letter, urged President Museveni to revisit the procedure used in the endorsement to ensure full adherence to the NRM Constitution and the NRM Parliamentary Caucus Rules of Procedure (2014).
“It is therefore our humble appeal that the process concerning the identification of NRM candidates for the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament be revisited to ensure full adherence to the Movement’s established procedures and democratic principles,” he said.
The cadres argued that adherence to these procedures would strengthen confidence among party members and reaffirm the NRM’s commitment to transparent and participatory leadership processes.
The NRM Revolutionary Network’s letter to Museveni comes at a time when political alignments around the Speakership race are beginning to take shape.
On Wednesday, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group associated with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, directed affiliated Members of Parliament-elect to support the same candidates endorsed by the NRM CEC.
The contest for the leadership of the 12th Parliament has attracted interest from several politicians, including Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, who has expressed interest in the Speaker’s position.
Other figures previously linked to the race include State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, and Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria.
However, the ruling party’s strong numerical advantage in Parliament traditionally gives significant weight to candidates endorsed by the NRM Central Executive Committee.
Members of Parliament are expected to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker when the 12th Parliament convenes, a process that will formally determine who leads the legislative arm of government.
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