Thomas Tayebwa
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to publicly endorse Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for another term, while simultaneously bringing Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) on board, has dramatically reshaped the contest for leadership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The endorsement, announced by Gen Muhoozi on X, is widely viewed within ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) circles as a calculated political rescue operation that saved Tayebwa from the growing purge that has already swept away Speaker Anita Among.
“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for that position,” Gen Muhoozi posted.
The statement instantly ended weeks of uncertainty surrounding Tayebwa’s political future after speculation emerged that he too could be sacrificed amid investigations into alleged corruption and misuse of parliamentary funds in the 11th Parliament.
Stabilising party
Political observers say Museveni’s intervention was intended to stabilize the NRM ahead of the May 25 parliamentary leadership elections while preserving a loyal and increasingly influential young cadre within the party.
Tayebwa’s survival appears to have been aided by several factors, including intelligence reports that reportedly cleared him of wrongdoing.
Sources familiar with the investigations told Reporters that security agencies found no evidence directly linking Tayebwa to illicit parliamentary expenditures.
“Tayebwa is a clean man. We reviewed the expenditures and found no evidence connecting him to the release of illicit funds,” a source familiar with the probe reportedly said.
The findings are said to have strengthened lobbying efforts by influential figures within both government and religious institutions who pushed Museveni to spare Tayebwa from the political fallout engulfing Parliament leadership.
Church’s role vital
Senior Catholic and Anglican leaders reportedly played a central role in the behind-the-scenes campaign to protect the Ruhinda North legislator.
The lobbying is said to have intensified following Tayebwa’s highly publicized donation of St. Charles Lwanga Church in Mitooma District, a project reportedly valued at Shs2.5 billion.
The church was handed over during a thanksgiving mass led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese in 2025.
“The Archbishop and Christians in Mbarara have been praying for Tayebwa, and now they believe their prayers have been answered,” a source said.
Reliable sources further claim that Archbishop Bainomugisha personally contacted senior leaders to plead for mercy and continued support for Tayebwa.
“Tayebwa is among the most generous contributors to Catholic Church projects. The church felt it had a responsibility to stand by him during difficult times,” another source added.
Additionally, community elders from Mitooma District, including Gen Kahinda Otafiire, are also said to have appealed directly to Museveni, describing Tayebwa as a disciplined and charitable leader.
The elders reportedly highlighted his education sponsorship programs for vulnerable children through the Tayebwa Foundation.
“They told the President that Tayebwa is a disciplined leader who would never misuse public resources,” a source revealed.
Political link to PLU
Analysts say another decisive factor in Tayebwa’s political survival was his growing closeness to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the PLU network.
The endorsement marks a dramatic turnaround because PLU had earlier withdrawn support for both Tayebwa and Speaker Anita Among as internal power struggles intensified within the ruling establishment.
Sources say Tayebwa’s active participation in the recently concluded MK Marathon and his support for several PLU initiatives helped rebuild confidence between him and Muhoozi’s camp.
“The closeness between Tayebwa and Muhoozi was evident during the recently concluded MK Marathon, where Tayebwa played a prominent role,” a source said.
Bridge between old and new guard
Museveni’s decision to align Tayebwa with Muhoozi’s political camp is also being interpreted as part of a broader succession strategy within the NRM.
Some insiders believe Tayebwa is viewed as a dependable bridge between the old guard and younger leaders associated with Muhoozi’s anticipated transition into civilian politics.
Government insiders say several presidential advisers described Tayebwa as one of the NRM’s emerging leaders whose calm temperament and parliamentary management skills make him valuable to the party’s future.
“Tayebwa is viewed as a loyal cadre and part of the future leadership of the NRM. Many believe he has the temperament and political maturity to guide younger leaders,” a source said.
Observers note that Tayebwa has maintained a calm and measured approach while presiding over parliamentary debates, avoiding many of the confrontational controversies that weakened Among’s standing.
His perceived loyalty to Museveni, combined with his close working relationship with First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, reportedly further strengthened his chances of survival.
Among’s troubles
Meanwhile, Among’s political troubles deepened after PLU withdrew its earlier backing and security agencies searched her residences in Kigo, Ntinda and Nakasero, impounding several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce.
The mounting pressure eventually forced her out of the Speaker race, paving the way for Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth, another candidate openly backed by Gen Muhoozi.
With the NRM commanding the majority in the 529-member Parliament, Museveni’s endorsement of Tayebwa — reinforced by Muhoozi and PLU — now places the Deputy Speaker in a commanding position ahead of the crucial May 25 vote.
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