A deepening power struggle within Uganda’s ruling establishment has emerged after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) dramatically withdrew its backing for Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.
The unexpected reversal signals growing cracks within the pro-government camp and throws the parliamentary leadership race into uncertainty just days before MPs elect new leaders.
In a statement delivered by PLU Secretary General David Kabanda, the movement announced that it would unveil new candidates for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, effectively abandoning the endorsement it had issued earlier this year in support of Among and Tayebwa.
Kabanda, who in March 2026 instructed all PLU-aligned MPs-elect to rally behind the duo, did not disclose the new preferred candidates. However, his recent remarks strongly suggested that the decision followed guidance from PLU patron Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“The PLU candidates for Speakership shall win massively,” Kabanda posted on social media, before later adding: “In PLU we follow Afande Muhoozi’s guidance. As his disciple, I implement all his directives and decisions.”
The development has intensified political speculation within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with analysts viewing the move as a sign of shifting alliances and an escalating contest for influence inside Parliament.
The fallout comes amid controversy surrounding Speaker Among’s recently acquired Rolls-Royce, reportedly worth more than Shs2 billion. Gen Muhoozi publicly distanced himself from displays of luxury by political leaders, stating: “I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a Rolls Royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either.”
He added: “Our job is to serve Ugandans, not ourselves. I cannot support corruption.”
President Yoweri Museveni further fueled uncertainty during the ongoing NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi when he suggested that the issue of parliamentary leadership had not yet been settled.
“We shall discuss that at the right time because CEC had recommended that we maintain the two… because it had become a tradition,” Museveni said.
PLU had initially endorsed Among and Tayebwa in a March 11, 2026 directive, arguing that the decision aligned with guidance from Muhoozi and resolutions of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The latest reversal now sets the stage for a potentially intense battle for control of Parliament’s top offices.
