Anita Among Sets 2031 Succession Plan: Is NRM Already Planning for Forever?
Speaker Anita Among, in a stunning display of foresight and confidence, has unveiled her grand plan for 2031: to pass on the speakership mantle to her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa. This announcement came amidst a colorful thanksgiving ceremony in Mitooma district, where, in true Ugandan style, the event also served as a church commissioning. Because, of course, what’s a high-profile transition without a bit of divine blessing?
Among, who has clearly been channeling the spirit of ancient Ugandan kings and queens with her promises of orderly succession, declared, “I only have one term to serve; when I finish, I give it to Rt Hon. Tayebwa to continue. Because you don’t need to cling to power.” Such a declaration would make even the most storied dynasties, like the Buganda Kingdom’s, sit up and take notice.
At the heart of the celebration, which saw the likes of former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda rub elbows with President Yoweri Museveni’s brother Michael Nuwagira, known affectionately as Toyota, Among laid out her succession plan with the grandeur of a royal heirloom passing ceremony. The occasion also included a special mention of St. Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic parish, built in honor of Tayebwa’s grandmother. Quite the family affair, isn’t it?
Tayebwa, not to be outdone, boasted about the UGX 2.7 billion church project funded largely by friends, including a generous contribution from the mysterious King Caesor Mulenga. This, despite some local skeptics whispering that taxpayers might have had a hand in the project. Clearly, Tayebwa has the support of the financial elite, if not the entire tax base.
The event came on the heels of youth protests demanding Among’s resignation, accusing her of presiding over a corrupt house—a claim she has vehemently denied. But who needs pesky protests when you have a predetermined future?
In Uganda’s political theater, where the unwritten rule dictates that the Speaker and Deputy come from the ruling party, the opposition’s attempts to seize the deputy speaker position have been as successful as a fish trying to climb a tree. The tradition of grooming the Deputy for the top job is well established (as in the case of the late Jacob Oulanya), and Among’s plans only solidify this custom.
Mzee Daudi Bangirana, Tayebwa’s father, who recently turned 80, could not have been prouder of the church project, considering his father’s passing at a mere 35 years. In typical Ugandan fashion, he reflected on his good fortune with a mixture of pride and wonder, recounting his father’s three wives and extended family with an air of disbelief at his own success.
The day wrapped up with a mass rally led by Mbarara Archdiocese’s Bishop Lambert Bainomigisha, followed by a gathering where President Museveni was set to make his own appearance. Because in Uganda, every major event needs a touch of pomp and circumstance, and a good dose of political theatrics.
