As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, have officially declared their intention to seek re-election to their respective leadership positions in the 12th Parliament.
They say their joint decision is based on consistency, trust, and the National Resistance Movement’s long-standing tradition of rewarding effective leadership.
The announcement comes at a time when the ruling NRM party has begun its internal nomination process, inviting members to express interest in various elective positions.
Tayebwa, who picked up nomination forms to run again as Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North in Mitooma District, confirmed that he will also contest for a second term as Deputy Speaker if re-elected.
“Yes, I will run again for Deputy Speaker, and this decision has been made in agreement with the Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Among,” Tayebwa said.
“We have worked closely as a team, and we believe continuity is key in ensuring institutional stability and effective parliamentary leadership.”
Speaker Among is also expected to contest again for the Bukedea District Woman MP seat. If successful, she will offer herself for a second term as Speaker of Parliament.
Both leaders stressed that their decision to seek re-election is in line with the NRM’s culture of continuity, where incumbents who have demonstrated competence and loyalty are supported for further terms.
Tayebwa underscored that this has been a guiding principle within the party for years.
“In the NRM, we build institutions and leadership step by step. When a team is performing and trusted by the party, it is only natural to support them for continuity. This has been our tradition,” he said.
The current bid mirrors past practices within the party. Former Speakers Edward Ssekandi and Rebecca Kadaga both received NRM backing to serve consecutive terms, thanks to their perceived ability to manage the House and uphold party values.
Among and Tayebwa assumed office in 2022 after the passing of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. Since then, they have led the 11th Parliament through a number of national priorities including post-COVID-19 recovery, constitutional debates, and governance reforms.
Their leadership has been marked by a steady approach aimed at maintaining order and pushing forward key legislative agendas.
Their early declarations signal a coordinated strategy to maintain their positions as Parliament’s top leaders.
It also reflects a broader effort by the NRM to prepare its internal machinery ahead of the 2026 elections by promoting continuity and experience in leadership.
As the nomination process unfolds, all eyes will be on the party’s Central Executive Committee and its endorsement decisions.
For now, Among and Tayebwa are positioning themselves as the reliable pair to lead the next Parliament, banking on a record of partnership and stability that aligns with the party’s guiding values.
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