Uncertainty has engulfed the race for the top leadership positions in Uganda’s incoming 12th Parliament, with senior NRM figures openly questioning whether the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) ever formally endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for a second term.
Reports that surfaced in late January claimed the CEC, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, had unanimously backed the duo during a closed-door meeting at State House Entebbe on January 27.
Multiple outlets, citing party sources, described the move as a deliberate decision to maintain the precedent of allowing two full terms for parliamentary leaders who had delivered strong performance and helped consolidate NRM support during the 2026 general elections.
The reported resolution was expected to be forwarded to the NRM parliamentary caucus for rubber-stamping, effectively clearing the path for Among and Tayebwa to return unopposed.
But barely a month later, that narrative is under heavy fire.
Mbale City Woman MP-elect and former CEC member Lydia Wanyoto fired a direct challenge at the claims, demanding proof of any official resolution.
“The CEC acts on official resolutions, not rumors, and follows them with an agenda. Please provide a sample signed by the Secretary General and Party Chairman,” Wanyoto said, questioning the authenticity of the reported endorsement.
Wanyoto, who has herself declared interest in the Speaker’s seat, is not the only voice casting doubt. Aringa South MP Alioni Odria dismissed the endorsement stories as “baseless rumours,” insisting no formal party position has been taken to pre-determine the leadership of the 12th Parliament.
The sudden twist has turned what many expected to be a ceremonial affirmation into a wide-open contest.
At least five candidates are now publicly or privately in the mix: Among, Wanyoto, State Minister Persis Namuganza, Odria, and Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, whose party has a cooperation arrangement with the NRM.
The unfolding drama raises a bigger question for the ruling party: will the CEC stick to the reported precedent of backing incumbents for two terms — a practice that has guided several high-level positions in the past — or is the party about to witness an open race that could see fresh faces emerge from the NRM caucus vote?
Party insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity insist the precedent remains intact and was meant to guarantee stability.
They point to Among and Tayebwa’s record in mobilising support and steering the 11th Parliament as justification for continuity.
Yet the absence — so far — of a publicly circulated, signed CEC minute has given ammunition to those pushing for a competitive process.
Some NRM MPs have criticised the reported endorsement, arguing that even top parliamentary positions should be subjected to internal competition rather than top-down selection.
The speakership battle has now become one of the most closely watched political stories of 2026. Whether the CEC’s reported word will hold, or whether the demand for a signed resolution will force a rethink, remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the race is no longer a foregone conclusion, and Uganda’s political class is watching to see whether the ruling party will reward continuity or embrace contestation at the helm of the legislative arm.
