By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni has formally endorsed Speaker Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for retention as leaders of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement follows resolutions passed during meetings of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on January 27 and February 20, 2026. Museveni, who also serves as National Chairman of the party, signed off on the resolutions, effectively fronting the two as the NRM’s official candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the next Parliament.
The decision now awaits formal adoption by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. Once approved, Among and Tayebwa will carry the party’s official backing into the election at the inaugural sitting of the 12th Parliament, expected in June.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the party opted to uphold precedent by allowing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to complete two terms, citing continuity and stability in legislative leadership.
“The chairperson has endorsed both minutes of CEC that fronted Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa to retain their respective positions. What is left now is to forward their names to the caucus for adoption,” Todwong said.
He added that party members who had expressed interest in contesting for the positions were asked to step down in order to maintain unity. Party officials indicated that more than six individuals had shown interest, both within the NRM and from opposition ranks, but the CEC resolution effectively settles the ruling party’s internal position.
Todwong also dismissed speculation that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions could be influenced by the NRM’s cooperation agreement with the Democratic Party. He clarified that the matter of parliamentary leadership is strictly an internal party decision.
“For the position of Speaker, it is about the party. In this case, the NRM has to present a candidate. It was not discussed in the cooperation agreement that NRM will support DP for any of the positions,” he said.
Among and Tayebwa have led Parliament since 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. Their current term has approximately three months remaining before the new Parliament is constituted.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is conducted by Members of Parliament through a secret ballot at the first sitting of a new Parliament.
With the CEC endorsement now formalized, the ruling party has signaled its preference for continuity in the stewardship of the August House as it prepares for the transition to the 12th Parliament.
