Kampala, Uganda
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that Members of Parliament aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) will support Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain his position in Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
In a statement posted Today on his official X account, formerly Twitter, Muhoozi said the decision followed guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom he referred to as the Commander-in-Chief.
“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations Rt. Honourable,” Muhoozi stated.
The announcement is significant because the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political mobilization movement associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has increasingly emerged as an influential force within National Resistance Movement (NRM) political landscape.
The endorsement signals growing support for Thomas Tayebwa ahead of the election of parliamentary leadership for Uganda’s incoming 12th Parliament.
Although the NRM traditionally decides official parliamentary candidates through internal party processes and caucus meetings, endorsements from influential political actors and organized parliamentary blocs can heavily influence voting outcomes.
Thomas Tayebwa currently serves as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County in Mitooma District.
A lawyer by profession, Tayebwa first entered Parliament in 2016 and later rose within the NRM ranks before being elected Deputy Speaker in 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
As Deputy Speaker, Tayebwa has presided over parliamentary debates, legislative proceedings, and committee business while also representing Parliament at various national and international engagements.
He has often positioned himself as a supporter of institutional reforms, economic development, and government legislative priorities.
The positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are among the most powerful offices within Uganda’s legislative system.
The Deputy Speaker oversees parliamentary sittings in the absence of the Speaker and plays a central role in legislative management, committee coordination, and parliamentary administration.
The leadership elections for the 12th Parliament have attracted heightened political attention following the recent withdrawal of outgoing Speaker Anita Among from the Speakership race amid corruption investigations and growing internal political pressure within the ruling establishment.
The Patriotic League of Uganda has in recent years expanded its political visibility through mobilization campaigns, public rallies, and endorsements of political candidates associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Political analysts say the movement has become increasingly influential among sections of ruling party legislators and youth supporters.
Muhoozi’s public announcement linking the endorsement to guidance from President Museveni is likely to be interpreted as a strong signal of establishment support for Tayebwa’s candidacy.
However, NRM party had not yet officially announced final positions regarding all parliamentary leadership races by the time of publication.
NRM parliamentary caucus is expected to play a decisive role in determining leadership positions ahead of the swearing-in of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Several candidates have already expressed interest in senior parliamentary offices.
Political observers say endorsements from influential figures such as Muhoozi Kainerugaba could significantly affect voting dynamics among NRM legislators.
As consultations continue within NRM, attention is now focused on whether additional endorsements or official NRM decisions will emerge in the coming days.
Tayebwa’s growing support base positions him as one of the leading contenders for the Deputy Speaker role as the Country prepares for a new parliamentary term amid major political realignments.
