The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on members of the ruling party to unite behind Anita Among for the position of Speaker in the next 12th Parliament.
Speaking to journalists, Tayebwa expressed confidence that the ruling National Resistance Movement party will once again produce both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
“I have a very strong conviction that it is the NRM that is going to produce a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker,” Tayebwa said.
He urged fellow party members to rally behind Among for the top parliamentary position.
“I therefore request my colleagues that we all support the Right Honourable Anita Among for Speaker,” he said.
Tayebwa also appealed to party members to remember him for the position of Deputy Speaker, noting that the Speaker requires a deputy who can work closely with them to deliver the mandate of Parliament.
“Don’t forget me. You also don’t forget me because the Speaker needs a deputy who can work very closely with her to deliver the mandate,” he added.
Addressing critics who question his involvement in party leadership discussions, Tayebwa defended his loyalty to the ruling party, saying he has served the NRM for many years.
“I have been an NRM member for 15 years. I joined the party in 2010. In 2016 I delivered my constituency unopposed. In 2021 I delivered over 90 percent for the party,” Tayebwa said.
He further called on NRM legislators to avoid internal divisions and instead focus on strengthening the party’s position within Parliament.
Tayebwa emphasised that the NRM has established clear internal mechanisms for selecting leaders and resolving disagreements.
“I urge colleagues to really work closely with us. There are many positions that we do have within Parliament,” he said.
He also criticized the belief held by some politicians that Parliament is only effective when leaders attack the President.
Tayebwa expressed confidence that once NRM members meet internally, they will reach a consensus on the leadership positions.
Even after the ruling party’s top organ CEC endorsement of Speaker Anita Among as its preferred candidate for the next Speaker, several politicians still intend to contest the position. On Wednesday, the party’s Secretary General Richard Todwong reiterated the NRM leadership position in endorsing and maintaining status quo in the next parliament. Todwong acknowledged that President Museveni has endorsed the CEC resolutions backing Among and Tayebwa for another term at the helm of Parliament.
Todwong also explained that the NRM cooperation agreement with the Democratic Party does not include a speakership arrangement.
However, Norbert Mao Leader of the Democratic Party and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs recently entered the race, to contest in the Speaker position despite the NRM endorsement for Among. He is campaigning on a platform of inclusive leadership and accountability, backing his stance on the cooperation agreement. other NRM members hoping to unseat Among include ;
Lydia Wanyoto Mutende (NRM) – Mbale City Woman MP-elect has declared interest in the Speaker position.
Persis Namuganza (NRM) – Bukono County Woman MP and State Minister for Housing has also been mentioned as an aspirant.
Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki (NRM) – Masindi District Woman MP-elect is another NRM member in the mix.
Yorke Alioni Odria (NRM) – MP for Aringa South County has signalled interest as well.
The race for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament begins with eligibility, as only sitting Members of Parliament can contest. Both incumbents and newly elected MPs are allowed to vie for these leadership roles, giving space for competition across party lines. Political parties, particularly the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), often play a major role in shaping the contest by endorsing preferred candidates. While such endorsements are not legally binding, they carry significant political weight, especially when backed by the President, given the party’s majority in Parliament.
Once an MP decides to contest, they formally declare their interest by notifying the Clerk of Parliament. Candidates then engage in a period of campaigning, seeking support from fellow MPs through lobbying, coalition building, and presenting their vision for Parliament’s leadership. Party backed candidates often emphasize loyalty and coordination, while independent or opposition candidates may rely on broader alliances within the chamber.
The election itself takes place during a plenary session, typically by secret ballot, with separate votes for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The candidate who secures the majority of votes emerges victorious. While the President does not participate directly in voting, endorsements and party directives influence the outcome significantly, particularly within the NRM.
After being elected, the winners are formally sworn in and assume their duties, which include presiding over parliamentary sessions, maintaining order during debates, interpreting parliamentary rules, and ensuring the smooth passage of legislative business. Although party endorsements and internal agreements often guide the process, MPs retain the legal right to vote independently, making the contest a blend of political strategy, alliances, and formal parliamentary procedure.
The 12th Parliament resumes in June 2026.