Museveni endorses Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker amid Parliament probe

President Yoweri Museveni has endorsed Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker, a move that is likely to shape the leadership contest in Parliament even as the institution grapples with an ongoing corruption probe.

The endorsement was confirmed by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, who said the decision followed guidance from the Commander-in-Chief.

“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) MPs and PLU-leaning MPs will support Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations!,” Gen Muhoozi said.

The backing from both the President and the influential Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) significantly boosts Tayebwa’s prospects in a Parliament where the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) commands a dominant majority.

Tayebwa’s political footing

Thomas Tayebwa, who currently serves as Deputy Speaker, has been a key figure within the NRM and Parliament’s leadership structure. First elected to Parliament as Ruhinda North MP, Tayebwa has steadily risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as a loyal party mobiliser and an effective legislative manager.

He assumed the role of Deputy Speaker in the 11th Parliament following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, working closely with then Speaker Anita Annet Among. His tenure has been marked by firm handling of parliamentary business and alignment with the ruling party’s legislative agenda.

Shadow of corruption investigations

However, Tayebwa’s endorsement comes at a time when Parliament is under intense scrutiny following sweeping investigations into alleged corruption involving senior officials.

Security agencies have in recent days carried out high-profile raids targeting former Speaker Anita Annet Among. Her offices at Parliament were sealed off by a joint team of police and military investigators, who declared the premises a crime scene as part of ongoing inquiries.

The operation followed earlier searches at Among’s residences in Nakasero, Kigo, and Ntinda, as well as properties linked to her husband, Moses Magogo. Investigators are reportedly gathering documentary and electronic evidence that could be used in a potential prosecution.

The crackdown has already ensnared several parliamentary staff, including Director of Communications Chris Obore, while more officials are said to be under investigation.

The developments have triggered unease within Parliament, with some legislators distancing themselves from Among amid growing uncertainty over the scope of the probe.

Among steps aside

Against this backdrop, Among earlier this week announced her withdrawal from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, a decision widely interpreted as linked to mounting political and legal pressure.

In a statement, she said her decision followed “wide consultations and deep introspection,” and was aimed at maintaining unity within the ruling NRM.

“I wish to draw the attention of the public to matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament,” she said.

Implications for Parliament

Analysts say Museveni’s early endorsement of Tayebwa could be part of a broader strategy to stabilise Parliament’s leadership amid the ongoing turbulence.

By consolidating support around a familiar figure, the ruling establishment may be seeking to contain uncertainty and prevent internal fractures within the NRM caucus.

At the same time, the unfolding investigations continue to cast a long shadow over the institution, raising questions about accountability, governance, and the future composition of parliamentary leadership.

As the race for Deputy Speaker takes shape, Tayebwa’s candidacy now appears firmly anchored by both political backing and parliamentary arithmetic. However, the broader environment remains fluid, with the corruption probe likely to influence not just leadership contests but also public confidence in the legislature.

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