Jean Jacque Rwomushana | Kampala | 24 May 2026
The ruling National Resistance Movement has closed ranks behind Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, MP for Budama South and Minister of State for Defence, and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, MP for Ruhinda North and outgoing Deputy Speaker, for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament ahead of Monday’s election at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The endorsements come after a turbulent fortnight that saw Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, Bukedea District Woman MP, forced out of the race amid allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment, despite earlier backing from the party’s Central Executive Committee.
NRM CEC AND CAUCUS ENDORSEMENT
Last evening, the NRM Central Executive Committee met under chairman President Yoweri Museveni. In Among’s absence, though she remains a CEC member, the committee quoted her resignation letter and resolved to front Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa for the top parliamentary posts.
Today, the NRM Parliamentary Caucus convened and unanimously ratified the CEC resolution after all other NRM aspirants for the two positions stepped down.
The move sets up a direct contest between the NRM slate and a joint opposition ticket. Paul Mwiru of NUP and Nyakato Asinansi of PFF will run for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, after opposition parties agreed to field a unified slate.
THE FALL OF ANITA AMONG
The shift began barely two weeks ago on the day of the President’s swearing-in ceremony. The Patriotic League of Uganda, a pressure group led by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced it had withdrawn support for Among and Tayebwa’s re-election to the 12th Parliament.
The announcement surprised many. Among had been instrumental in steering the government’s controversial Sovereignty Bill through Parliament a few days earlier , despite widespread public rejection.
In the days that followed, joint security forces conducted searches at Among’s homes, private businesses, and parliamentary offices. Several vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, Range Rover, and Land Cruisers, were paraded through Kampala streets before being towed to Police headquarters.
In a post on X, Among said she was dropping out of the Speakership race. She has not appeared publicly since, and her residences remain occupied by security personnel.
SPEAKER’S ELECTION
Parliament will hold its 1st sitting of the 1st meeting of the 1st session of the 12th Parliament on Monday 25 May 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Kololo.
According to the order paper, the Chief Justice will preside over the election of the Speaker and swear the Speaker in. Once sworn in, the Speaker’s first duty is to preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
After the Deputy Speaker is elected, the President will administer the oath, hand over the instruments of power, and address the House before adjournment.
Key items on the order paper:
Election of Speaker – presided over by the Chief Justice
Swearing-in of Speaker – conducted by the Chief Justice
Election of Deputy Speaker – presided over by the Speaker as first official duty
Swearing-in of Deputy Speaker, handing over of instruments, presidential remarks, anthems, and adjournment
THE ODDS
With NRM holding a clear majority in the 529-member House, Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa are expected to prevail unless there is a significant crossover vote.
Oboth Oboth brings experience from the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and his current role in the Ministry of Defence. Tayebwa, who has served as Deputy Speaker since 2022, seeks to retain his seat in the presiding team.
The vote will determine the leadership of the 12th Parliament for the 2026-2031 term and set the tone for the House’s handling of legislation, oversight, and executive relations.
The sitting will open with the arrival of the President, national and EAC anthems, prayers, and the proclamation before moving to nominations and elections.