A wave of defiance is emerging within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Bulambuli Constituency, publicly declared his intention to contest for the Deputy Speaker position despite the party’s endorsement of Thomas Tayebwa.
The NRM’s Central Executive Committee endorsed Tayebwa for the role alongside Annet Anita Among for Speaker.
However, Wepukhulu says the endorsement will not deter him from pursuing the position, signaling a potential internal contest that could test party cohesion.
Wepukhulu, one of the new entrants to Parliament, said his decision to enter politics was driven by a desire to improve the image and effectiveness of the legislative institution.
He argued that the Deputy Speaker’s office plays a critical role in ensuring cooperation among lawmakers and helping Parliament deliver on promises made to voters.
“I believe that as a new MP, I can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role,” Wepukhulu said.
“My aim is to create a more productive and accountable Parliament, and I believe the Deputy Speaker position is crucial in achieving that.”
Despite the party’s backing of Tayebwa, Wepukhulu said he remains confident that support from fellow first-time legislators could strengthen his bid. He said the growing number of new MPs in the House represents a bloc that could influence the leadership contest.
While acknowledging Tayebwa’s contributions as Deputy Speaker, Wepukhulu also pointed to areas he believes require improvement, particularly the handling of public disturbances in Parliament and the management of land-related matters, which he described as pressing concerns for many Ugandans.
Even with the endorsement of Tayebwa and Among by the NRM chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Wepukhulu said he remains open to engaging party leadership on the matter.
He suggested that dialogue within the party could help shape consensus on the leadership of Parliament.
The internal dissent is not limited to the Deputy Speakership race. State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza, who has also expressed interest in the Speakership, has indicated that the party’s endorsement of Among will not stop her from challenging for the position.
NRM officials, however, have cautioned members against defying the party line. The party’s Communications Director, Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, recently urged aspirants to respect the decision of the Central Executive Committee and prioritize party unity over personal ambition.
Dombo warned that members who disregard the party’s official position could face disciplinary action for violating the party constitution.
The unfolding contest highlights a delicate moment for the NRM as it balances internal competition with the need to maintain party discipline.
The outcome could influence not only the leadership of the next Parliament but also how future internal challenges within the ruling party are handled.