Kampala, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has endorsed incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain his position in the 12th Parliament, marking yet another dramatic twist in the ruling National Resistance Movement’s rapidly evolving parliamentary leadership race.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday morning, Gen Muhoozi revealed that the decision followed consultations with President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the National Chairman of the NRM and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF.
“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander in Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU-leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations Rt. Honourable,” Muhoozi posted.
The declaration immediately reshapes the political calculations surrounding the May 25 elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Major U-turn
Muhoozi’s endorsement of Tayebwa comes as a significant political shift after recent indications that the Deputy Speakership could be handed to a female legislator under a broader restructuring arrangement reportedly being negotiated within the ruling establishment.
Over the past few days, several names had emerged for the position, including Mawokota South MP Suzan Nakawuki Nsambu, who was reportedly fronted by sections of the NRM Buganda Caucus.
Political observers had increasingly interpreted earlier remarks from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leadership as signaling the end of Tayebwa’s chances, especially following the dramatic fallout surrounding outgoing Speaker Anita Among.
However, Tuesday’s announcement now firmly places Tayebwa back at the centre of the race.
The development once again underscores the growing influence of the Muhoozi-led Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) movement within the ruling party and parliamentary politics.
PLU, which claims support from hundreds of MPs and MPs-elect aligned to Gen Muhoozi’s “Tuko Pamoja” mobilisation network, has increasingly become a decisive political force ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Only days ago, the movement withdrew its earlier backing for Anita Among and Tayebwa before later publicly rallying behind West Budama Central MP Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth for Speaker.
Muhoozi’s latest endorsement now appears to complete what insiders are describing as a new consensus ticket emerging within sections of the ruling establishment; Oboth-Oboth for Speaker and Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.
Museveni’s role
The CDF in his statement referred to “guidance from the Commander in Chief” which also solidifies President Museveni’s continued central role in determining the final direction of the NRM parliamentary leadership race.
The ruling party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) is expected to sit later this week to formally settle and endorse candidates who will subsequently be presented to the NRM parliamentary caucus.
Although Parliament elects its Speaker and Deputy Speaker through secret ballot during the first sitting of the House, NRM-backed candidates traditionally enjoy overwhelming numerical advantage due to the ruling party’s dominance in Parliament.
Tayebwa’s political survival
Tayebwa’s survival in the race will likely be viewed as a major political comeback after weeks of uncertainty and speculation over his future.
The Ruhinda North legislator had increasingly found himself politically vulnerable because of his close association with outgoing Speaker Anita Among, who recently announced she would not seek re-election following mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office.
However, unlike Among, Tayebwa appears to have retained significant goodwill within influential sections of the ruling establishment and security-linked political circles.
Muhoozi himself had earlier publicly described Tayebwa as “a very good man” and “my younger brother,” adding that “he is protected.”
Political analysts now say Tuesday’s endorsement may effectively settle the Deputy Speaker race unless an unexpected challenge emerges during the final NRM caucus and parliamentary processes.
Opposition and internal tensions
Despite the endorsements, insiders say some internal lobbying and regional balancing negotiations are still ongoing within the ruling party.
Buganda leaders had reportedly been pushing for one of the two top parliamentary positions to return to the central region, while gender balancing considerations had also intensified after Oboth-Oboth emerged as the leading Speaker candidate.
Nevertheless, Muhoozi’s public declaration is likely to significantly influence undecided MPs and consolidate Tayebwa’s support among PLU-aligned legislators.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament are scheduled to be elected on May 25 during the first sitting of the new House.
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