BE LIKE ANITA AMONG: Thomas Tayebwa Ordered to Issue Statement Announcing His Withdrawal from Deputy Speaker Race

The Ruhinda North MP is being told to follow the tone set by Anita Among, the 11th speaker of parliament, who had up to end of Sunday, May 17, to withdraw from the race in favor of Jacob Oboth Oboth or face more music.

The development is a dent on the political rise of Thomas Tayebwa, the youthful politician who had enjoyed a steady rise through Uganda’s shifting political landscape, marked by strategic alignment, parliamentary experience, and growing influence within the ruling establishment.

His trajectory mirrors a broader pattern in Ugandan politics, where figures transition from opposition spaces into the centre of power. Before firmly embedding himself within the ruling party, Tayebwa’s political roots were associated with opposition politics, particularly the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

His journey reflects a familiar arc in Uganda’s political evolution, where several prominent figures have crossed from opposition ranks into government, often reshaping their political identities in the process.

Tayebwa first entered elective politics in 2016 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County in Mitooma District on the ticket of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

His early years in Parliament were defined by service on key committees such as Natural Resources and National Economy, roles that helped build his legislative profile and policy experience. His rise was also driven by strong grassroots mobilization and effective political networking.

His national prominence grew significantly when he was appointed Government Chief Whip, a role that placed him at the heart of coordinating the ruling party’s legislative agenda in Parliament. This position strengthened his ties with the executive and elevated his visibility as a key mobilizer within the NRM, earning him a reputation as a reliable and strategic political operator.

Thomas Tayebwa was Government Chief Whip for about a year. He had been given this role after he accepted to withdraw from the deputy speaker race in favour of Anita Among in 2021.

In March 2022, Tayebwa reached a major milestone when he was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament replacing Anita Among who was elevated to the position of speaker following the death of Jacob Oulanyah.

Tayebwa’s election marked his arrival in the top leadership of Uganda’s legislature, working alongside Anita Among, who had assumed the role of Speaker. Since then, he has played a central role in presiding over parliamentary business and representing Uganda in regional and international legislative forums.

Beyond Parliament, Tayebwa has increasingly positioned himself as a continental voice on governance and sovereignty issues. His public statements have emphasized the need for African countries to safeguard their resources and reduce dependency on external powers, signaling a growing ideological footprint beyond domestic politics. His journey continues to reflect the evolving dynamics of Uganda’s political system, where adaptability, loyalty, and strategic positioning remain critical to rising through the ranks.

Read more interesting facts on Thomas Tayebwa in his profile Here.

Now, while Thomas Tayebwa has been having some control, he will now be at the mercy of Museveni after he has declared withdrawal from the deputy speaker race.

Tayebwa, sources say, will be consoled with a ministerial job or an advisor role.

Days ago, Gen Muhoozi made it clear that Thomas Tayebwa would be replaced by a woman as deputy speaker, as he and Museveni endorsed Oboth Oboth to replace Anita Among. (See Details Here and There).

Meanwhile, Anita Among had her political future change and the risk of going to prison over corruption reduced as she has been promised a big job in government. Hours after her declaration, her Rolls Royce was taken away by police.