The Member of Parliament for the Elderly in Eastern Uganda, Ofwono Opondo, has said he still supports embattled outgoing Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for positions in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee, saying he will maintain his position until the party officially changes its candidate list.
Former government spokesperson Opondo made the remarks during the Frontline programme on Thursday evening, amid growing internal contestation within the NRM over Central Executive Committee (CEC) positions ahead of the party’s national conference.
“I’m still team Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa until CEC withdraws their position and gives us a new candidate,” he said.
His comments come at a politically sensitive moment for Among, who is facing increased scrutiny that has spilled into both parliamentary and public debate.
In recent weeks, she has been the subject of investigations by anti-corruption agencies over allegations linked to procurement irregularities and illicit financial flows, developments that have heightened political pressure around her leadership role.
Authorities have also reportedly seized luxury vehicles linked to individuals connected to ongoing inquiries, a move that has intensified speculation about the scale and direction of the investigations, although official agencies have not publicly detailed all findings.
The developments have fuelled wider uncertainty within Parliament and the ruling party, especially as discussions continue over leadership positions and potential shifts in the parliamentary hierarchy.
Among has also been mentioned in political circles in connection with possible adjustments to the Speakership race, with reports indicating she may not actively pursue the position amid the unfolding pressure and scrutiny.
Despite this, Opondo maintained that he would not support State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Jacob Oboth Oboth for Speaker, arguing that he has not formally declared interest.
“To the best of my knowledge, Oboth Oboth hasn’t declared interest in being Speaker. I cannot support someone who hasn’t declared his interest,” Opondo said.
The debate comes as the NRM Central Executive Committee prepares to convene to determine the party’s official position on the next Speaker of the 11th Parliament, a decision that is expected to shape internal alignments ahead of the national conference.
On social media, Opondo on Thursday praised Among after claiming to have called on her at her residence in Nakasero, describing the meeting as cordial and expressing confidence in her leadership.
"Your upbeat spirit, lively chat and commitment to uphold, respect and vote the Speaker candidate forwarded by NRM lifted me," he posted.
"I say without any fear of contractions, contrary to media reports, that no mobile telephone hand set was withdrawn from Among.Visitors have access to her home on Marcknon Road, Nakasero."
As internal party negotiations continue, the intersection of ongoing investigations, leadership ambitions, and CEC endorsements has intensified political uncertainty around key parliamentary positions.