The race for the Speaker of the 12th Parliament is becoming increasingly intense, with incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, gaining significant backing from across Uganda. In a series of recent endorsements, MPs from the Toro region and those representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have firmly thrown their support behind the duo, signaling a clear preference for continuity at the helm of Parliament’s leadership.
The endorsement from the Toro region came on Tuesday, when Kyaka Central MP Tom Bright Amooti, representing the region’s MPs and MP-elects, praised Among for her unwavering leadership and dedication. Amooti highlighted that Among had been instrumental in supporting the region, campaigning for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, and helping to advance President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision. He expressed the unanimous agreement among Toro lawmakers to back Among for another term as Speaker, calling her a role model for both current and future leaders.
“We are here today to thank God for the leadership of our Speaker,” Amooti remarked. “Anita Among has been an inspiration to all of us, not only in Toro but across Uganda. She has shown incredible dedication to the people, particularly in advocating for our cause. We are proud to endorse her for another term.”
In addition to the Toro MPs, the endorsement from lawmakers representing Persons with Disabilities further strengthens Among’s candidacy. MP Mpidi from Bumali, speaking on behalf of PWD representatives, credited Among and Tayebwa for their efforts in passing vital legislation that protects the rights of disabled citizens and other special interest groups. He emphasized how their leadership has led to meaningful progress for PWDs in Uganda.
“Speaker Among has always stood by us,” Mpidi said. “Through her leadership, we have passed laws that protect land for persons with disabilities and safeguard our rights in Parliament. Both Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa have proven to be champions for PWDs, and we are fully behind them for another term.”
The PWD MPs’ endorsement was a strong signal of their appreciation for Among’s leadership in advocating for social justice, and it further solidifies the political backing for both her and Tayebwa. The endorsement of Tayebwa for the role of Deputy Speaker was also significant, underscoring the team’s success in maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach to legislative affairs.
As the election for the 12th Parliament’s Speaker looms closer, the list of potential challengers for Among’s position continues to grow. Notably, Masindi Woman MP Florence Akiiki Asiimwe has announced her candidacy for the Speaker role, and figures such as Justice Minister Norbert Mao, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza have all expressed interest in the position. This has made the race for Speaker more dynamic, as both political alliances and individual ambitions come into play.
Despite the rising number of challengers, the NRM Central Executive Committee has already endorsed Among and Tayebwa, signaling the party’s preference for a leadership team that has consistently delivered results. This endorsement is seen as a strong political statement, reflecting the party’s confidence in the duo’s ability to continue steering Parliament in the right direction.
However, while Tayebwa remains committed to his role as Deputy Speaker for the 12th Parliament, his eyes are also set on a future Speaker role. He has made it clear that he intends to contest for the position in the 13th Parliament, demonstrating his long-term political ambitions. His statements have positioned him as a key player in Uganda’s political landscape, ready to take on a leadership role in the future.
With the elections for Speaker fast approaching, the political dynamics surrounding Among and Tayebwa’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Yet, with their endorsements from key groups like the Toro MPs and PWD representatives, it’s clear that their leadership in the 12th Parliament is well supported. As the race intensifies, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Uganda’s legislative branch.
About the Author
