Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda have sparked major political debate after officially withdrawing their earlier endorsement of Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The dramatic political shift comes amid growing public discussion surrounding reports that Anita Among allegedly acquired a luxurious Rolls-Royce vehicle reportedly worth billions of shillings. The luxury purchase has continued attracting both criticism and admiration from different sections of the public, with many Ugandans debating the timing and symbolism of such expensive spending.
In an official statement dated May 12, 2026, and signed by PLU General Secretary David Kabanda, the organization announced that the endorsement earlier issued on March 11, 2026, had been cancelled with immediate effect following fresh guidance from Gen Muhoozi.
The statement explained that all PLU members and supporters have now been instructed to back whichever candidates will officially be presented by President Yoweri Museveni for the top parliamentary positions. This move has been widely interpreted as a clear sign that President Museveni remains the final authority in determining major political decisions within the ruling establishment.
Earlier this year, Gen Muhoozi had reportedly directed all Members of Parliament associated with PLU to support Anita Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker. At the time, the endorsement was viewed as politically significant because of Gen Muhoozi’s growing influence among sections of Uganda’s political class and youth supporters.
The sudden withdrawal of support has therefore shocked many observers, especially those who had already considered Anita Among’s position politically secure. Analysts say the reversal has created fresh uncertainty within the race for leadership positions in the new Parliament.
The controversy surrounding Anita Among intensified after reports emerged alleging that she had purchased an ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle reportedly valued at around Shs2.5 billion. Social media users quickly compared the alleged purchase to vehicles owned by other top leaders, with some online commentators claiming that even President Museveni and his son had never publicly been seen using such an expensive luxury car.
Critics argued that the alleged purchase projected an image of extravagance at a time when many ordinary Ugandans continue struggling with unemployment, poverty, and the rising cost of living. Some citizens questioned whether public officials should display such levels of wealth while many people face economic hardship.
Supporters of Anita Among, however, defended her strongly and argued that successful individuals have the right to spend their money however they choose, provided no laws are broken. Others accused critics of targeting female leaders more harshly than male politicians who also own expensive properties and luxury vehicles.
Political observers say the latest PLU decision may not necessarily be entirely about the Rolls-Royce controversy alone. Some analysts believe broader political calculations and negotiations could be taking place behind the scenes ahead of the formation of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Others believe the move highlights the continued dominance of President Museveni in Uganda’s political system. By instructing PLU supporters to wait for Museveni’s official direction, the statement reinforced the perception that the President remains the ultimate decision-maker on key leadership matters within the ruling movement.
The statement also emphasized strict discipline within PLU, declaring that all members must follow the commands and instructions of Gen Muhoozi at all times. Political analysts say this reflects the highly centralized structure of the movement and Gen Muhoozi’s growing authority among his supporters.
The development immediately triggered widespread debate across social media platforms, where Ugandans shared mixed reactions about the sudden political reversal. Some praised Gen Muhoozi for prioritizing loyalty to President Museveni over personal political alliances.
Others questioned whether the public controversy surrounding Anita Among’s alleged luxury spending may have damaged her political image at a sensitive moment. Many online users argued that public perception increasingly matters in modern politics, especially when social media discussions spread rapidly nationwide.
At the same time, supporters of Anita Among insisted that she remains politically strong despite the withdrawal of endorsement. They pointed out that she has built a significant support network within Parliament and among sections of the ruling establishment over recent years.
Political commentators say the Speaker and Deputy Speaker races remain extremely important because the two offices are among the most powerful positions in Uganda’s political system. Whoever controls Parliament plays a major role in shaping legislation, political debate, and government business.
The latest PLU announcement has therefore added fresh suspense and tension to Uganda’s political atmosphere. Many citizens are now eagerly waiting to see whom President Museveni will eventually endorse for the influential parliamentary positions.
Some analysts also believe the incident reflects broader tensions surrounding wealth, power, image, and political loyalty within Uganda’s ruling elite. Increasingly, public displays of luxury by politicians are becoming politically sensitive topics capable of influencing public opinion and alliances.
Meanwhile, social media continues overflowing with commentary, memes, and political analysis regarding Anita Among, Gen Muhoozi, PLU, and the alleged Rolls-Royce purchase. The debate has once again demonstrated how quickly political developments can dominate national conversation in Uganda.
As uncertainty grows ahead of the formation of the new Parliament, many observers believe the coming days could reveal even deeper political shifts within the ruling establishment. Whether the withdrawal of support was driven by strategy, public pressure, loyalty to Museveni, or broader political calculations, the decision has undoubtedly intensified political excitement across the country.
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