The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has officially endorsed Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker, adding momentum to the evolving leadership race for Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The endorsement was announced by the Chairman of PLU and Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said the decision followed guidance from President Yoweri Museveni.
In a post shared on his official X platform, Gen. Muhoozi directed all PLU-affiliated and PLU-leaning Members of Parliament to support the bid of Ruhinda North County MP, Thomas Tayebwa, for the Deputy Speaker position.
“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief (President Museveni), all PLU MPs and PLU-leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations Rt. Honourable,” Gen. Muhoozi posted.
The endorsement brings clarity to the increasingly competitive parliamentary race and comes amid heightened political maneuvering within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), following recent developments surrounding the leadership of Parliament.
Former Kisoro District LC5 Chairperson and PLU leader in the district, Abel Bizimana, welcomed the decision, describing Tayebwa as a resilient and dependable leader.
“As one of the PLU leaders in Kisoro District, I congratulate Thomas Tayebwa for earning the confidence of our cherished leaders, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and President Museveni. I see in Rt. Hon. Tayebwa a resilient and dependable leader. For institutional memory and national balance, I believe this is a good choice for Deputy Speaker,” Bizimana said.
Kitgum District Woman MP, Lillian Aber, also congratulated Tayebwa and urged all PLU members to rally behind the guidance issued by Gen. Muhoozi and fully support his candidacy.
Tayebwa, who served as Deputy Speaker in the 11th Parliament, recently renewed his oath after being re-elected as Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County. He has consistently stated that his political journey remains guided by the discipline of the ruling party and the vision of President Museveni.
With the NRM Parliamentary Caucus expected to finalize its flagbearers, the unified backing from the PLU bloc is seen as a significant boost to Tayebwa’s bid.
The endorsement by Gen. Muhoozi, coupled with the reported guidance from President Museveni, further strengthens Tayebwa’s position as a frontrunner to retain the Deputy Speakership ahead of the official parliamentary vote.
