Kampala, Uganda: The Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has directed all affiliated MP-elects to the pressure group to rally behind the official candidates endorsed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee, Rt Hon Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa, for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the 12th Parliament.
In a communication issued to the legislators on Wednesday, March 11, PLU General Secretary David Kabanda said the guidance from the First Son and Chief of Defence Forces aims to promote unity, discipline and coordination among members aligned to the group as the new Parliament prepares to elect its leadership.
“In the spirit of ‘Tuko Pamoja,’ the Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has guided that all PLU-leaning Honourable Members-Elect should support the candidates who have been endorsed by the Central Executive Committee of the NRM, namely Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, for the 12th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda,” Kabanda’s letter, seen by DailyExpress, reads in part.
He also urged the legislators to uphold the core principles of the Patriotic League of Uganda, including patriotism, integrity, transformation, and a commitment to socio-economic development, as they prepare to take on their legislative duties.
The PLU specifically called on its members to support incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among for the position of Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker, both of whom were endorsed by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
According to Kabanda, the two leaders possess the experience and leadership capacity required to guide parliamentary debate and ensure the smooth running of the House.
“The leadership of the Patriotic League of Uganda appeals to you to maintain decorum, dignity and discipline during the selection process of these important leaders,” Kabanda added.
Hon Among, who has served as Speaker since 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, is seeking to retain the position in what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest.
The race has attracted interest from several politicians, including Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and President General of the Democratic Party (DP).
Although Mao leads the DP, he currently serves in government under his party’s cooperation arrangements with the ruling NRM.
Other politicians linked to the speakership include Persis Namuganza, the Bukono County MP-elect and State Minister for Housing; Alioni Yorke Odria, the Aringa South County MP; and Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, the Mbale City Woman MP-elect, and Dr Florence Asiimwe – Masindi Woman MP; all members of the NRM.
MPs for the 12th Parliament are expected to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker when the 12th Parliament convenes.
With the NRM holding a strong numerical majority in the House, the party’s officially endorsed candidates historically enjoy a significant advantage in the leadership vote.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
