Speakership Race: Wanyoto Writes to Museveni

Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto has formally written to President Yoweri Museveni, who also chairs the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), expressing her interest in contesting for the position of Speaker of Parliament.

Wanyoto, who had earlier signaled her ambition, said the move is in line with the NRM’s internal procedures, particularly Rule Number Nine, which requires members to formally declare interest in party positions.

“I want to put forward my credentials within the rules of the party… and I have already written to the national chairman and also to my colleagues, the Members of Parliament,” she said.

She emphasized that the NRM parliamentary caucus remains the legitimate organ to determine the party’s flag bearer for Speaker, noting that the process should be open and guided by established party structures.

Her position comes amid the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC)’s endorsement of incumbent Speaker Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, for a second term.

Wanyoto questioned the implication of the CEC decision, arguing that it should not override the role of the parliamentary caucus.

“If that was the case, we wouldn’t be having the parliamentary caucus,” she said, maintaining that the matter is still open for discussion within the party.

On her vision, Wanyoto cited her role in drafting the NRM manifesto, saying it gives her a clear understanding of the aspirations of Ugandans. She pledged to ensure Parliament fully exercises its mandate in budget appropriation, oversight, and legislation to deliver on the party’s commitments.

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“With the opportunity to serve, Parliament will exceed expectations in delivering for the people of Uganda over the next five years and beyond,” she said.

Wanyoto described herself as a committed cadre with the competence and passion required for the role, adding that her bid is driven by a desire to serve both the party and the country.

She reaffirmed that the final decision will be shaped through discussions within the NRM parliamentary caucus.