By Spy Uganda
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has endorsed Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, to retain their respective positions in the 12th Parliament.
Highly placed sources confirmed that the endorsement was unanimously agreed upon during a CEC meeting chaired by party chairman President Yoweri Museveni at State House on Tuesday, January 27.
The CEC’s decision is expected to be formally communicated to the NRM parliamentary caucus, which will then back the duo during the election of parliamentary leadership in the next Parliament.
Sources said Among and Tayebwa earned strong backing from CEC members due to their effective mobilisation efforts both within Parliament and across the country, a factor credited with helping the ruling party consolidate support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among was particularly praised for her role during the last general elections, during which she reportedly traversed several parts of the country mobilising support for President Museveni and NRM flag bearers. Her efforts, sources noted, significantly boosted the party’s campaign machinery.
Both leaders were also credited for their role in fostering party unity, including facilitating sacrifices that saw several independent-leaning NRM candidates who had contested against official party flag bearers step down in favour of party cohesion.
The endorsement follows an established NRM precedent under which both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker serve two consecutive five-year terms.
Among was first elected Deputy Speaker in 2021, deputising the late Jacob Oulanyah. Following Oulanyah’s death, she was elevated to the position of Speaker. Tayebwa subsequently replaced Among as Deputy Speaker.
Since assuming office, the two have worked closely and are credited with overseeing the passage of a record number of Bills, many of which have since been assented to into law.
By the time the CEC approved Among and Tayebwa as its preferred candidates, several other Members of Parliament had reportedly expressed interest in the positions, including Iddy Bassajabalaba.
