President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has openly declared his support for Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa to continue serving as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament for another five-year term.
In his role as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni formally wrote to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to reaffirm his position.
The President’s letter followed the 8th meeting of the 5th CEC, which was held in Entebbe on February 20, 2026. During this meeting, members agreed unanimously to maintain their earlier position supporting Among and Tayebwa. Their names will now be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for official adoption as party candidates.
This decision shows that the ruling party prefers stability and continuity in Parliament. The document, signed by Museveni and the NRM Secretary General, makes it clear that the party leadership believes the current team has performed well and deserves another term.
Anita Among first became Speaker in 2022 after the sudden death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. Her rise to the top position came during a difficult time for Parliament.
Since then, she has worked closely with her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, to manage parliamentary business.
Over the past few years, Parliament has handled important and sometimes controversial laws. These included reforms that sparked public debate and strong opinions from different groups. Despite the challenges, the leadership of Among and Tayebwa has remained firm.
President Museveni’s latest move appears to settle earlier speculation within the NRM about possible competition for the top parliamentary seats.
For weeks, there were rumors that some members within the party were considering contesting against the current Speaker and her deputy.
However, with the CEC now speaking with one voice, it seems clear that the party’s top organs are united. Since the NRM commands a strong majority in Parliament, its endorsement is considered very influential in determining who will win the final vote on the floor of the House.
The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, who is also a CEC member, described the decision as one reached through consensus. According to him, party leaders carefully discussed the matter before agreeing to maintain the current leadership.
Odoi also revealed that the party’s disciplinary committee is being revived. Its role will be to ensure that members do not publicly attack party decisions or leadership. This step shows the party’s intention to maintain unity and discipline ahead of the crucial vote.
He explained that supporting Among and Tayebwa is aimed at ensuring stability in Parliament and maintaining a smooth working relationship between Parliament and the Executive arm of government.
Despite the strong backing from the NRM, the race for Speaker is not without interest. So far, six elected Members of Parliament have shown interest in the position.
Among them is Anita Among herself, who is seeking re-election. Another notable name is Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party President and current Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Other interested candidates include Persis Namuganza, the MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing. Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City, has also expressed interest in the position.
Asiimwe Akiiki, the Masindi District Woman MP-elect, is another contender. Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County, has also joined the race.
However, most of the candidates are affiliated with the NRM, making the party’s endorsement a powerful factor. With Museveni’s backing and CEC approval, Among and Tayebwa appear to have a strong advantage.
Norbert Mao’s fate, however, remains uncertain. As a member of the opposition Democratic Party but serving in government, his position in the race raises political questions. It is unclear whether he can gather enough support against the NRM-backed ticket.
Political analysts believe that the final decision by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus will be decisive. Once the caucus formally adopts the party candidates, the stage will be set for the official vote in Parliament.
For now, the message from President Museveni is clear. The ruling party is standing firmly behind Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa.
Whether this unity will completely silence other ambitions remains to be seen, but the path for their second term now appears more certain than ever.
