A major political twist has emerged within Uganda’s ruling establishment after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) officially withdrew its earlier endorsement of Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
In a press statement dated May 12, 2026, and signed by PLU General Secretary David Kabanda, the influential pressure group led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that its March 11 endorsement letter backing Among and Tayebwa had been “retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.”
The earlier directive had instructed all PLU-leaning Members of Parliament-elect to support the two leaders for retention in the top parliamentary offices. However, in a surprising reversal, the organization has now ordered its members to instead support candidates who will officially be presented by President Yoweri Museveni.
The development signals a significant political recalibration within PLU and highlights the group’s renewed commitment to aligning fully with the guidance of its chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. In the statement, the organization emphasized discipline and loyalty to its leadership, declaring that “in the PLU, we follow the commands, instructions and guidance of our Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at all times.”
Political analysts say the abrupt change could dramatically alter the race for parliamentary leadership at a time when behind-the-scenes lobbying within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is intensifying. The withdrawal of support has already triggered speculation of fresh negotiations, internal bargaining, and possible shifts in the balance of power ahead of the official party endorsement process.
For months, Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa had been widely viewed as frontrunners to retain their positions as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
The PLU’s initial endorsement had further strengthened perceptions that their re-election was almost certain. However, the latest decision now introduces uncertainty into the contest and opens the door for new political calculations within the ruling camp.
Observers believe the move also reflects the growing influence of centralized decision-making within the NRM power structure, where final political direction increasingly depends on signals from the top leadership. With attention now firmly fixed on the incoming 12th Parliament, the PLU’s dramatic U-turn is expected to intensify political maneuvering in the days ahead.
As Uganda prepares for the next parliamentary term, the battle for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions appears far from settled, setting the stage for a tense and closely watched political showdown
