The contenders who have so far expressed interest in running for Speakership
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The race for leadership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament is beginning to take shape after National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, formally fronted Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, as the party’s preferred candidates.
The decision follows a resolution by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) during its February 20 meeting. According to NBS journalist Canary Mugume, Museveni forwarded the two leaders to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus as the party’s official flag bearers for the top parliamentary positions.
“NRM Chairman Yoweri Museveni has forwarded incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among & Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to the NRM Caucus as the party’s official candidates for the 12th Parliament leadership. This follows the NRM CEC resolution from the meeting held on 20th Feb,” Mugume reported.
The endorsement significantly boosts Among’s chances of retaining the Speakership for another five-year term from 2026 to 2031. She has already been receiving backing from sections of both outgoing legislators and MPs-elect, placing her in a strong position ahead of the vote.
However, the contest may not go entirely unchallenged. Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party (DP) President and MP-elect for Laro-Pece, has publicly declared interest in the Speaker’s seat. Mao, who currently serves as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has been actively engaging political circles, signaling his readiness for the role.
Other figures linked to the position include Lydia Wanyoto and Persis Namuganza, although their formal declarations remain uncertain.
With the ruling party’s top leadership now leaning toward continuity, attention shifts to whether the NRM will publicly formalize the endorsement and how other aspirants will respond in the coming weeks.
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