By Diana N. Kintu
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has formally endorsed Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among for the position of Speaker of Parliament and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker ahead of the formation of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The endorsement was reached during a closed-door CEC meeting held in Entebbe and chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the NRM party chairperson. The session brought together senior party leaders to assess internal party positions and agree on key leadership roles within the next Parliament.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the party leadership commended Rt. Hon. Among and Rt. Hon. Tayebwa for their performance during the outgoing Parliament, citing their contribution to rallying political support, advancing the government’s legislative agenda and maintaining cohesion within the ruling party. The duo was credited with providing firm leadership during politically sensitive debates and ensuring the smooth handling of parliamentary business.
President Museveni reportedly emphasised the importance of continuity and stability in parliamentary leadership as the country prepares for the 12th Parliament. He noted that both leaders had demonstrated loyalty to the party and an ability to work across political divides, which he said was essential for effective governance.
However, the meeting was not without dissent. At least three CEC members are reported to have raised concerns relating to unresolved local political disputes, including grievances arising from party primary elections and allegations of regional favouritism. The objections, sources said, reflected lingering tensions in certain constituencies following the recent election cycle.
President Museveni is said to have dismissed the concerns as minor and not sufficient to derail the endorsement. He reportedly reminded the committee of previous precedents in which parliamentary leaders had served two terms, arguing that experience and institutional memory were critical as Parliament handles complex legislative and oversight responsibilities.
The President further urged party members to prioritise unity and discipline, warning that internal divisions could weaken the NRM’s effectiveness in Parliament. He stressed the need for the party to present a united front ahead of the parliamentary vote for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which is scheduled to take place after Members of Parliament are sworn in between 13 and 15 May.
The endorsement signals continuity in parliamentary leadership and reflects the NRM’s strategic positioning as it prepares for the next legislative term. Rt. Hon. Anita Among has served as Speaker since 2022, while Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has held the position of Deputy Speaker, overseeing key parliamentary processes and legislative coordination.
Both leaders are widely credited with steering major government bills through Parliament, including legislation related to the national budget, governance reforms and sectoral policies. They have also been recognised for fostering working relationships across party lines, particularly during committee deliberations and plenary debates.
The announcement has generated significant attention within political circles and across media platforms, with analysts noting its potential implications for legislative priorities and party discipline in the 12th Parliament. Observers suggest that the endorsement underscores the NRM’s intention to maintain tight control over parliamentary leadership amid an evolving political landscape.
With the ruling party commanding a majority in Parliament, the CEC’s endorsement places Rt. Hon. Among and Rt. Hon. Tayebwa in a strong position ahead of the formal parliamentary vote. As the country transitions into a new legislative term, attention is expected to shift towards how the leadership will navigate emerging political dynamics, legislative reforms and national development priorities.