President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his capacity as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has formally written to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) reaffirming support for Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa to continue in office for another five-year term.
In a resolution arising from the 8th meeting of the 5th CEC held in Entebbe on February 20, 2026, members unanimously agreed to reiterate an earlier position that, in line with precedent, the names of Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for adoption as official party candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker on the floor of Parliament.
The document, signed by Museveni as National Chairperson and the party’s Secretary General, speaks to the ruling party’s preference for continuity in the leadership of Parliament.
It further states that any issues arising from the process “would be addressed on merit.”
Among rose to the Speakership in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah, while Tayebwa was elected Deputy Speaker the same year. Since then, the duo has presided over a Parliament that has handled major legislative business, including contentious reforms and oversight of government programmes.
Museveni’s intervention effectively settles speculation within the NRM about a potential contest for the top parliamentary seats. With the party commanding a dominant majority in the House, endorsement by the CEC and subsequent approval by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus is widely seen as decisive ahead of the formal vote in Parliament.
Last week, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi, who is also a CEC member, described the decision as a product of consensus within the party’s top organs.
He noted that the party’s disciplinary committee was being revived to ensure members do not publicly attack party positions or leadership, emphasizing that the backing of Among and Tayebwa was aimed at ensuring “stability of Parliament and relationship of Parliament and government.”
Six elected MPs who have so far shown interest in the position, and these include Anita Among, the incumbent Speaker, Norbert Mao the Democratic Party President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Persis Namuganza the MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing, Lydia Wanyoto the MP-elect for Mbale City, Asiimwe Akiiki the Masindi District Woman MP-elect and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County. Most of the candidates are affiliated with the NRM.