JUST IN: Muhoozi Endorses Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker

The announcement was made by Chief of Defence Forces and PLU chairman Muhoozi Kainerugaba through a statement issued on Tuesday, where he revealed that the decision followed consultations with President Yoweri 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 endorsement marks another major development in the ongoing political realignments ahead of the opening of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. Earlier this month, PLU had withdrawn its previous endorsement of both Speaker Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for the top parliamentary positions, saying its members would instead back candidates endorsed by President Museveni.

The latest statement now confirms renewed backing for Tayebwa’s bid to retain the Deputy Speaker position, strengthening his chances as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) finalizes its leadership structure for Parliament.

Thomas Tayebwa has served as Deputy Speaker since March 2022 after replacing Anita Among, who had moved to the position of Speaker following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

Political observers say the endorsement from PLU, a pressure group closely associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is likely to influence a significant bloc of MPs aligned to the movement ahead of the parliamentary leadership vote.