The Spokesperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus and Kagoma North Member of Parliament, Alex Brandon Kintu, has reiterated the ruling party’s position to support the retention of the current parliamentary leadership ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Friday, Kintu said the process through which the Speaker of Parliament is chosen within the ruling party is clearly defined and guided by established procedures.
“The process of selecting the Speaker is well known. We have the Central Executive Committee (CEC), written laws, and even unwritten traditions,” he said.
Kintu noted that historically there has been a precedent within the ruling party allowing both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to serve for up to 10 years.
“The position of the National Resistance Movement is to support the people currently holding those positions,” he said.
Kintu’s remarks come shortly after President Museveni—who also serves as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement—formally endorsed Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa for retention as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions passed during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on February 20, 2026.
The resolutions, signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, directed that Among and Tayebwa be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions in the next term.
According to party officials, the names of the two leaders will now be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for formal adoption as flag bearers when the 12th Parliament convenes.
The early endorsement comes amid heightened political contestation for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with several Members of Parliament—both within the NRM and from opposition parties—reportedly expressing interest ahead of elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Meanwhile, Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao, recently officially declared his bid for Speaker of the next Parliament, stating that his nationwide consultation phase had concluded.
Addressing journalists at the Democratic Party headquarters in Kampala, Mao said he had gathered sufficient views and support from across the country to inform his decision to enter the race for the top legislative seat.
Mao described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge, arguing that it has become deeply entrenched among individuals in positions of authority.
Mao said that if entrusted with the Speaker’s office, he would prioritise accountability, transparency and institutional integrity within Parliament.
According to Mao, the legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly.
However, the Democratic Party leader asked supporters and party members not to actively campaign for him, saying he possesses the qualifications, experience and track record necessary to contest for the position.
Mao also described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
Mao argued that the current Speaker, Anita Among, assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than as part of a long-term leadership plan for Parliament.
According to Mao, the country now needs what he described as a deliberate and well-thought-out choice in the next Speakership race rather than one shaped by circumstance.
Weeks earlier, Mao had argued that the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the ruling NRM places him in a favourable position in the speakership race.
Mao said the NRM’s majority in the incoming Parliament, combined with the DP–NRM partnership, significantly boosts his chances.
Mao also revealed that several Members of Parliament—including those from outside the Democratic Party—have reached out to him to pledge support and assure him of their votes.
Despite the Democratic Party currently holding only six seats in Parliament, Mao maintained that his political experience, leadership credentials and alliance with the NRM strengthen his bid.
Some of Mao’s supporters have gone further to compare his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing Mao as a conciliatory and unifying figure capable of presiding over Parliament with balance and inclusivity.
Mao also disclosed that he has already begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signalling that his approach to the speakership race is rooted in dialogue, consensus-building and political accommodation rather than confrontation.
Mao is one of at least six candidates who have expressed interest in leading the 12th Parliament.
Other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Bukono County MP-elect and State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza; Mbale City MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto; Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament Florence Asiimwe Akiiki; and Aringa South County MP Yorke Odria Alioni—all affiliated with the NRM.
The Speakership race has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, with parties and MPs positioning themselves ahead of the first sitting of the newly constituted legislature.
