KAMPALA, Uganda — Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has reportedly directed legislators aligned to the movement to vote only for President Yoweri Museveni’s preferred candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, in a move that could intensify pressure on incumbent Speaker Anita Among.
The directive is seen as a significant political shift within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which had earlier endorsed Among to retain the powerful parliamentary position.
According to sources close to the PLU camp, Gen. Muhoozi instructed PLU-affiliated Members of Parliament to disregard the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsement and instead wait for President Museveni’s final decision on who should lead the 12th Parliament.
The development follows recent remarks by President Museveni suggesting that the CEC position on the Speakership race was not final, sparking fresh speculation about possible divisions within the ruling establishment ahead of the swearing-in of Members of Parliament scheduled for 13th–15th May.
Among, who has served as Speaker since 2022, has recently faced mounting criticism and corruption allegations, including controversy surrounding reports of a Shs3.4 billion Rolls-Royce vehicle purchase.
Her critics within government circles argue that the allegations have damaged the image of Parliament and the ruling party
Political analysts say the intervention by Muhoozi could dramatically reshape the Speakership contest, especially given the numerical strength of both the NRM and PLU-aligned legislators in the House.
The NRM currently commands an estimated 350 seats in the 553-member Parliament, giving the ruling party a comfortable majority. However, PLU insiders claim the movement has influence over at least 302 MPs, a factor that could become decisive in a simple-majority vote if divisions emerge within the ruling camp.
Despite the growing political tension, neither Gen. Muhoozi nor President Museveni has publicly named the preferred candidate for Speaker, leaving uncertainty over who could eventually challenge Among for the top parliamentary seat.
The unfolding developments are expected to dominate political discussions in the coming days as newly elected legislators prepare to take oath and elect the leadership of the 12th Parliament.
