Museveni Signals NRM CEC Position on Speaker Position Not Final

Kyankwanzi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has thrown the race for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament of Uganda back into uncertainty, signalling that the ruling National Resistance Movement’s earlier Central Executive Committee (CEC) position backing Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa is not yet окончательно settled.

Speaking during the ongoing NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi, Museveni struck a cautious tone, suggesting the matter remains open for further discussion within party structures. “We shall discuss that at the right time because CEC had recommended that we maintain the two…because it had become a tradition,” Museveni said, in remarks that have since triggered fresh political calculations within the ruling party.

His comments were quickly echoed by Norbert Mao’s wife, Beatrice Mao, who reinforced the ambiguity, stating: “Key message: we shall discuss at the right time.”

The statements have injected new life into what had appeared to be a settled contest, raising hopes among a growing list of potential contenders who had been sidelined by the CEC endorsement. Several aspirants and their backers now see an opening for a possible rethink, especially amid mounting internal pressure on the NRM leadership to widen the race.

The politicians who are interested in the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker include Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, and Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria, among others.

Critics within the party have been pushing back against what they describe as “ring-fencing” of top parliamentary positions, arguing that automatic endorsements undermine internal democracy and shut out potentially stronger candidates. “You cannot pre-determine leadership in a democratic party without giving others a chance,” one senior NRM figure said privately.

Supporters of Among and Tayebwa, however, insist continuity is both justified and strategic.

They argue the duo actively campaigned for the NRM in the recent elections and should be retained, drawing parallels with former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and her predecessor Edward Ssekandi, who served extended terms in parliamentary leadership.

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The latest developments underscore a deepening contest within the NRM, pitting advocates of continuity against proponents of open competition. With Museveni now signalling that discussions are still ongoing, insiders say the race for Speaker is far from decided — and could yet turn into one of the most closely watched internal battles ahead of the 12th Parliament.