Museveni Faces Dilemma: Loyalty to Among or Credibility in Speaker Election?

President Yoweri Museveni concluded a weeklong NRM parliamentary retreat, where discussions centered on selecting the Speaker for the 12th Parliament. Initially, a January CEC meeting at State House endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Thomas Tayebwa, a decision seen as final with Museveni’s backing.

However, challenges emerged. State Minister Persis Namuganza questioned the endorsement’s legitimacy on a radio show, while MP Alioni Yorke Odria highlighted procedural lapses. Museveni responded by promising a review, stating the CEC recommendation follows tradition but merits discussion for all contenders.

Among has earned NRM praise for subordinating parliament to the executive, as Museveni noted in his 2024 State of the Nation Address. She publicly affirmed her loyalty, vowing never to oppose the president, contrasting past tensions like Rebecca Kadaga’s 2020 motion.

Challengers like Namuganza advocate restoring decorum, Odria targets corruption, and Norbert Mao pushes integrity and accountability. Other aspirants include Lydia Wanyoto and Florence Asiimwe. Experts diverge: Prof Sabiiti Makara argues Among’s loyalty and campaign support for Museveni outweigh issues, while Sarah Bireete cites her sanctions by UK and US over iron sheet scandals as disqualifying, urging focus on competence.

Among’s tenure faced accusations of corruption, including lavish expenditures on cars and generators, blocking probes, and undermining public participation. Political analyst Ronald Egesa believes Museveni prioritizes survival with Among but could shift under civil society pressure, potentially elevating Tayebwa.

Mao’s DP-NRM alliance fuels debate on his viability, with some seeing it as feasible.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)