Veteran journalist Simon Muyanga Lutaaya has urged the public to closely study the political approach of President Museveni, describing the long-serving leader as someone whose decisions and actions require careful analysis to fully understand.
Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Friday, Muyanga said understanding Museveni’s political strategy requires deliberate study, likening it to an academic subject.
“I have told people that if they want to understand President Museveni, they should treat him like a course unit and study him,” he said.
Muyanga argued that Museveni remains deeply informed about political developments across the country and within structures of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“Museveni knows everything that is going on, and the message in his letter is clear,” he said.
Muyanga also addressed his relationship with the current Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, clarifying that their association is purely professional and should not be interpreted as political alignment.
“My relationship with Anita Among is based purely on association. For Anita Among, it is not over until it is over,” he said.
At the same time, Muyanga stressed that the race for the Speakership remains open despite political endorsements already emerging.
“In my understanding, anyone is free to contest for the Speakership,” he said.
Muyanga’s remarks come after President Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the NRM, endorsed Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain their positions in the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions passed during the eighth meeting of the fifth 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 Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the next Parliament.
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 top parliamentary positions, with several Members of Parliament from both the ruling party and opposition reportedly expressing interest ahead of elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Meanwhile, Norbert Mao, president of the Democratic Party (Uganda), has confirmed that he will contest for the Speakership after completing nationwide consultations.
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.
He 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 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 2022.
He 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 argued that the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the NRM places him in a favourable position in the race.
He said the NRM’s majority in the incoming Parliament, combined with the DP–NRM partnership, significantly boosts his chances.
Mao also revealed that several MPs, including some outside the Democratic Party, have reached out 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 compared his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as a conciliatory and unifying figure capable of presiding over Parliament with balance and inclusivity.
Mao also disclosed that he has begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signalling that his approach to the 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; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, Masindi District Woman MP; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County.
The Speakership race has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year.