The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has moved early to consolidate internal unity and ensure parliamentary stability ahead of the sitting of the 12th Parliament, following a decision by its Central Executive Committee (CEC) to endorse a single leadership slate.
The ruling party has backed Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, signalling an intention to avoid internal contests that have in previous parliaments strained cohesion within the NRM caucus.
Sources familiar with the CEC deliberations say the decision was informed by concerns over party discipline and the need for predictable parliamentary leadership aligned with the NRM’s legislative and policy agenda in the new term.
Among and Tayebwa are viewed within party structures as experienced leaders capable of managing internal dynamics in the House while ensuring the smooth passage of government business, particularly as the executive prepares to table key governance and economic reform bills.
Among first rose to national parliamentary leadership in 2021 when she was elected Deputy Speaker, serving under the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
Following Oulanyah’s death in 2022, she was elected Speaker of Parliament. During that period, she worked closely with Tayebwa, a partnership party leaders credit with maintaining relative stability and continuity in parliamentary proceedings.
The endorsement is also expected to significantly influence voting patterns during the parliamentary leadership elections, as NRM Members of Parliament are traditionally required to support officially sanctioned party candidates, often giving them a decisive numerical advantage.
As Uganda transitions into a new legislative term, the NRM’s early endorsement underscores its broader strategy of safeguarding institutional stability while projecting unity within its parliamentary ranks.
