NRM Endorses Anita Among, Tayebwa for Top Parliamentary Posts in 12th Parliament

Kampala — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has endorsed Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.

The decision, reached at a CEC meeting held today, clears the way for the two incumbents to be fronted by the ruling party when Members of Parliament convene to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the first sitting of the new Parliament.

Party Endorsement Ahead of Parliamentary Vote

In Uganda’s parliamentary system, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected by MPs through a plenary vote. However, the NRM—being the majority party—traditionally endorses candidates ahead of the vote, a move that often determines the final outcome due to the party’s numerical strength in the House.

The endorsement signals the party’s preference for continuity and stability in parliamentary leadership as the country transitions to the 12th Parliament.

Background: Rt. Hon. Anita Among

Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has served as Speaker since 2022. She previously represented Bukedea District as Woman Member of Parliament and has held various leadership roles within Parliament and the NRM party structures.

During her tenure as Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Among presided over major legislative processes, including the passage of key government bills, budget approvals, and committee work. She has been credited by party supporters for enforcing parliamentary rules and steering legislative business in line with the ruling party’s agenda.

Background: Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has been Deputy Speaker since 2022 and previously served as MP for Ruhinda North in Mitooma District. Before becoming Deputy Speaker, Tayebwa was the NRM Chief Whip, a role in which he coordinated party positions and mobilized support for government legislation.

As Deputy Speaker, he has chaired plenary sessions and overseen parliamentary committees, gaining recognition for his grasp of procedure and legislative management.

What to Expect Next

The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take place during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament. While opposition parties may nominate alternative candidates, the NRM’s majority in Parliament places Among and Tayebwa in a strong position to retain the top legislative offices.