The race for the Deputy Speaker position in Uganda’s 12th Parliament has taken a significant turn after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly declared support for incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
In a post published on his X account, Muhoozi said that Members of Parliament aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) had resolved to back Tayebwa following guidance from President Yoweri Museveni, whom he referred to as the “Commander in Chief.”
“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander in Chief, all PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the position. Congratulations Rt. Hon,” Muhoozi posted.
The endorsement is seen as a major boost for Tayebwa, who has been seeking to retain the Deputy Speakership amid intense behind-the-scenes negotiations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker has attracted heightened political interest ahead of the inauguration of the 12th Parliament, with various factions within the ruling party lobbying for influence over the top parliamentary offices.
The latest development comes at a time when the Speakership race has also dominated national debate following the withdrawal of former Speaker Anita Among from the contest earlier on Monday.
Political analysts say Tayebwa’s endorsement by the influential PLU bloc could strengthen his chances of retaining the seat, especially among first-time and ruling party legislators who have increasingly aligned themselves with the pressure group.
Tayebwa has been served as Deputy Speaker after replacing Anita Among, who was elevated to Speaker following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
The election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker is expected to be one of the first major activities of the incoming Parliament.
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