Breaking: Museveni Blocks Speaker Among, PM Nabbanja From Addressing MPs At Kyankwanzi Retreat, Fuels Speakership Race Speculation!

Breaking: Museveni Blocks Speaker Among, PM Nabbanja From Addressing MPs At Kyankwanzi Retreat, Fuels Speakership Race Speculation!

Seated With President Is Jonam County MP–Elect, Hon Marshall Alenyo Among Those Aspiring For Deputy Speaker Seat

In a dramatic and politically significant move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday blocked Speaker Anita Annet Among, her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja from addressing Members of Parliament at the close of a high-level retreat in Kyankwanzi.

The unexpected development occurred at the President’s country home in Ngoma, where he presided over the conclusion of a seven-day National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary retreat held at the National Leadership Institute (NALI).Earlier, the official programme, read by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, had listed Among, Tayebwa, and Nabbanja among the key speakers. However, upon arrival, Museveni cancelled all scheduled addresses and allowed only Vice President Jessica Alupo to speak before delivering his own remarks.

During his address, the President announced a cash token of Shs100 million for each Member of Parliament, a gesture that drew applause but also sparked political interpretation.

Museveni’s decision has since ignited debate among political observers, with many interpreting it as a calculated move amid an intensifying contest for the Speakership of Parliament.

Analysts argue that by denying incumbent leaders a platform, the President prevented them from using the gathering to consolidate influence or indirectly campaign before fellow MPs. This was particularly significant since their challengers were not given similar opportunities.

Among those not featured on the programme were Norbert Mao, who has publicly declared interest in the Speakership, and emerging figure Martial Alenyo, an MP-elect eyeing the Deputy Speakership.

“This was a deliberate balancing act,” one political analyst noted. “By denying incumbents the microphone, Museveni avoided giving them an advantage over their rivals.”

The move also appears to contrast with earlier indications that the NRM Central Executive Committee, chaired by Museveni, had endorsed Among and Tayebwa to retain their positions, an approach that has traditionally gone unchallenged within the party.

Further fueling speculation, the President was seen interacting and taking photographs with some of the contenders, including Alenyo, the MP-elect for Moroto Municipality.

These moments have been interpreted by observers as signals that the race may be more open than previously assumed.

The Speakership contest is shaping into one of the most competitive internal political battles within the NRM in recent years.

Among, who assumed the role following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, is seeking to retain her position amid growing pressure from both within and outside the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Mao has positioned himself as a reform-oriented candidate, emphasizing the need for experienced and inclusive leadership.

“The Speakership is central to shaping the country’s legislative direction,” Mao has previously stated.

Other figures, including East African Legislative Assembly representative Sarah Wanyoto, are also reportedly exploring bids, signaling a widening field and shifting alliances.

Historically, top parliamentary positions within the NRM have been determined through internal consensus, guided by Central Executive Committee recommendations and endorsed with minimal contestation.

However, Museveni’s latest move suggests a possible shift in approach.

By withholding a speaking platform from key incumbents at a critical moment, the President may be recalibrating internal dynamics. This could be aimed at encouraging competition, testing loyalty, or maintaining strategic control over the final outcome.

As the Kyankwanzi retreat concludes, one thing is clear. The race for the Speakership is no longer predictable, and Museveni’s actions may have reshaped the contest.