By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KYANKWANZI
The National chair of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), President Yoweri Museveni has said that the party will justify its choice for the speaker and deputy speaker candidates at an appropriate time.
The President made the remarks while addressing more than 359 newly elected NRM MPs and over 40 independents who have gathered at NALI Kyankwanzi for a caucus retreat running from April 7 to 15, 2026.
Internal resistances continue to simmer within the ruling NRM over the leadership of the 12th Parliament following reports that the party Central Executive Committee (CEC) had endorsed incumbents Speaker Annet Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa.
However, Museveni said that CEC only recommends candidates for Speaker and does not make the final decision, emphasising that the constitutional mandate to elect the Speaker lies with legislators.
“We are not the ones who decide. We recommend and support our recommendation with reasons,” Museveni said. “When the time comes, we shall be able to explain why,” Museveni said.
Article 82 of the Constitution provides that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be elected from among Members of Parliament, a provision that some NRM legislators and stakeholders have cited in calling for a more open and transparent process.
At least six contenders, including Among, Democratic Party president general and Justice minister Norbert Mao, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, State minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, Aringa South MP Yorke Odria, and Masindi District Woman MP Florence Asiimwe Akiiki have so far expressed bid for parliament’s topmost position.
Some legislators have questioned what they describe as an attempt to ring-fence the top parliamentary positions, while others have demanded a formal, signed resolution confirming the CEC decision.
The NRM youth under the Revolutionary Network (NRN) have also rejected the process, arguing that established party procedures were not followed in identifying candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker. They have since called on the party leadership to revisit the matter.
But, Museveni says that all aspirants would be considered at the appropriate time, with the party expected to weigh its position and provide justification for its eventual recommendation.
Meanwhile, the NRM caucus retreat is underway with the focus on party ideology, governance, defence and security, as well as communication strategies ahead of the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament.
DP’s Mao, who is also among the Speaker contenders, and opposition politician in working corporation agreement with NRM is also attending the retreat.
Despite Museveni’s clarification, questions persist within the party on how the CEC’s recommendations will be balanced with the constitutional role of MPs in electing the Speaker. More to watch, keep this space 🚀!
