Kampala, Uganda: As the ruling National Resistance Movement prepares for the highly anticipated Sunday caucus meeting to determine its preferred candidates for the leadership of the 12th Parliament, pressure is steadily mounting within sections of the party to front Lydia Wanyoto Mutende for the position of Deputy Speaker.
The growing speculation that incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa could once again be endorsed for the role after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba X comments has already triggered unease among some NRM mobilizers and grassroots supporters who argue that the party risks sidelining one of its most loyal and battle-tested cadres.
For much of 2025, Wanyoto emerged as one of the most visible mobilizers defending President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government across the country. From Eastern Uganda to Central, Northern, and Western regions, she actively participated in political mobilization campaigns, ideological engagements, and public outreach efforts aimed at consolidating support for the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.
To many within the movement, overlooking her for one of Parliament’s top leadership positions would send the wrong political message to party loyalists who dedicate themselves to defending and strengthening the NRM during politically sensitive periods.
Political observers note that the NRM has historically rewarded consistency, loyalty, and ideological commitment. It is on that basis that supporters of Wanyoto argue that her extensive mobilization efforts over the past year should not be ignored at a time when the party is expected to recognize sacrifice and service.
Beyond loyalty, proponents of Wanyoto’s candidature also point to the long-observed tradition of gender balancing within Uganda’s parliamentary leadership. Historically, the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker have often reflected gender complementarity to promote inclusiveness and institutional balance.
With reports suggesting that Jacob Oboth Oboth is heavily favored for the Speakership race, many believe the Deputy Speakership should naturally go to a woman to maintain that parliamentary equilibrium.
Supporters argue that having both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions occupied by men would depart from a balancing approach that has symbolized broader representation within the legislature for years.
Wanyoto’s backers contend that she stands out not merely because of political loyalty, but also because of her credentials and experience in governance, diplomacy, and legislative affairs.
Who is Lydia Wanyoto?
A trained lawyer, legislator, and diplomat, Wanyoto previously served as Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa and briefly headed the African Union Mission in Somalia in 2014, positions that required strategic leadership and continental-level diplomacy.
Her educational background equally reflects a long journey of public service preparation. Born in Mbale, Wanyoto attended Fairway Primary School, Gayaza High School, and Makerere High School before joining Uganda Christian University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Education in Languages and a Bachelor of Laws degree.
She later obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre and pursued two Master’s degrees at Makerere University in Human Rights Law and Gender and Women Studies.
Her Political Career
Wanyoto’s political leadership dates back to the 1995 Constituent Assembly era and later intensified when she was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly in 2001 despite never having served in Uganda’s Parliament at the time.
Within NRM party structures, Wanyoto has also held influential positions, particularly within the Women’s League, where she played a central role in women’s mobilisation and ideological orientation.
Currently serving as Woman MP for Mbale City, she remains one of the few Ugandan politicians whose profile combines grassroots mobilization, legal expertise, diplomacy, legislative exposure, and ideological consistency.
Those advocating for her endorsement insist that the NRM must avoid alienating cadres who commit themselves fully to the party’s political agenda during difficult periods, only to see opportunities handed to leaders perceived as already politically secure.
What lies ahead
As the Sunday caucus approaches, the debate around the Deputy Speakership is increasingly shaping up as a broader conversation about loyalty, gender balance, experience, and the future direction of the ruling party’s internal reward system.
For Wanyoto’s supporters, the argument remains simple: if the NRM intends to reward commitment, experience, mobilization, and institutional balance, then Lydia Wanyoto Mutende presents herself as one of the strongest candidates for the office.
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.
