Speakership Race Heats Up as NRM Rivals Pledge to Challenge Among

KAMPALA, Uganda — The contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament has intensified, with multiple lawmakers declaring their intention to challenge Speaker Anita Among despite the NRM’s endorsement, highlighting divisions within the party.

Following President Museveni’s endorsement of Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as the party’s flag bearers, several legislators said they would continue with their bids for the top positions.

Challengers argue that the current MPs belong to the 11th Parliament and raised procedural concerns about the endorsement, citing internal party rules governing selection for parliamentary leadership posts.

The CEC resolution effectively froze internal competition and directed that the incumbents be adopted by the caucus, a move that critics say undermines internal democracy.

Article 82 of the Constitution mandates that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker be elected by MPs through a secret ballot under judicial supervision prompting challengers to insist that constitutional provisions take precedence over party endorsements once Parliament convenes.