Entebbe, Uganda: A high-level meeting convened by President Museveni at State House Entebbe on Thursday is said to have dealt a major political blow to Speaker Anita Annet Among, paving the way for growing support behind Jacob Oboth-Oboth in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
According to multiple highly placed sources familiar with the closed-door discussions, the tense two-hour meeting brought together selected government officials, religious leaders and senior political figures to discuss governance, corruption and the increasingly divisive battle for parliamentary leadership.
The meeting that reportedly started at around 1pm quickly turned to the controversial February 20 resolution of the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (CEC), which had initially cleared Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for another term.
At the centre of the debate was Clause 11 of the CEC resolution, particularly the phrase stating that “any issues that arise shall be addressed on merit.” Remember, when Norbert Mao declared his bid for the speakership, he hinted at this clause as his entry point into the race for Speaker of Parliament.
Sources privy to the meeting claimed that the wording became the legal and political opening through which the earlier endorsement could now be revisited, effectively allowing the ruling party’s top organ to reconsider its support for Among and Tayebwa.
The February resolution had been signed by President Museveni, the NRM National Chairman, alongside Secretary General Richard Todwong (although their signatures remained questionable by those against such a decision).
Among the notable figures present at Thursday’s meeting were Among herself, former Speaker and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, Bishop Anthony Zziwa and Moses Odongo.
It is alleged that Kadaga was specifically invited to shed light on financial management procedures during her tenure as Speaker, although the exact relevance of her submission to the broader discussions remained unclear and perhaps non-influential in the final decision taken.
The meeting also reportedly examined concerns surrounding corruption, governance and political conduct within senior leadership circles.
One prominent politician was allegedly singled out during the discussions over corruption allegations and controversial associations with a foreign prince whose political and religious affiliations are reportedly viewed unfavourably within certain influential circles.
By the close of the meeting shortly after 3 pm, insiders said significant political recommendations had been reached and were expected to shape developments in the coming days.
Sources further revealed that ruling party mobilisers quietly began rallying support for Oboth-Oboth immediately after the meeting, signalling a major shift in the internal balance of power.
A State House official, however, downplayed the significance of the meeting, describing it as largely reconciliatory and attributing the presence of religious leaders to mediation efforts.
But several independent sources disputed that characterization, insisting the discussions carried serious political weight.
When pressed for a comment, Senior Presidential Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi told local media that he was unaware of the meeting.
The developments came only days after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, formally withdrew support for Among and Tayebwa.
Speaking earlier this week, PLU General Secretary, Hon Daudi Kabanda, announced that Gen Muhoozi had directed PLU-leaning legislators to support whichever candidates President Museveni eventually fronts for Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The move represented a dramatic reversal from March 11, when Muhoozi had reportedly guided PLU-aligned MPs to support Among and Tayebwa for another term.
The internal divisions deepened further after Museveni himself signalled during the NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi on April 8 that the CEC resolution endorsing the incumbents could be reviewed.
Responding to concerns raised by Yorke Odria, one of Among’s challengers, Museveni acknowledged that the endorsement had merely been a recommendation. “We shall discuss that matter at the right time,” Museveni told the retreat.
The Speaker race has since evolved into one of the most intense internal contests within the ruling establishment. Besides Oboth-Oboth, several politicians have openly expressed interest in unseating Among, including Norbert Mao, Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto, Yorke Odria and Florence Asiimwe Akiiki.
Under Article 82 of the Constitution and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected by MPs through a secret ballot conducted during the first sitting of Parliament.
The elections are expected to take place on May 25, following the completion of the ongoing swearing-in exercise for Members of Parliament-elect.
Story Credit: Monitor
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