Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is heading into what could become one of its most politically sensitive parliamentary caucus meetings in recent years following the dramatic withdrawal of former Speaker Anita Annet Among from the Speakership race.
A notice issued by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong confirmed that the first meeting of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for the 12th Parliament will take place on Sunday at State House Entebbe under the chairmanship of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
While officially framed as a meeting to organise the ruling party caucus ahead of the new parliamentary term, the gathering is expected to be dominated by intense lobbying and negotiations over the Deputy Speakership.
The meeting comes just days after Among stepped aside from the Speakership race following mounting political pressure, corruption investigations and widening scrutiny over her wealth and lifestyle.
Sources say Museveni had privately advised Among to withdraw in what insiders described as an effort to calm tensions inside both the ruling party and sections of the security establishment.
Her withdrawal followed a series of investigations and searches at properties linked to her in Nakasero and Kigo, where security agencies reportedly recovered documents, electronic devices and luxury vehicles for forensic examination.
Attention has now shifted to the Deputy Speaker position, where several influential NRM figures are preparing for what insiders describe as a competitive contest despite growing signals from the party leadership.
The incumbent Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, currently appears to be the establishment favourite after securing endorsement from both the NRM Central Executive Committee and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), the political pressure group associated with Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a public statement this week, Muhoozi announced that all PLU aligned MPs would support Tayebwa following “guidance from the Commander in Chief.”
However, despite the endorsements, several NRM legislators are still understood to be preparing to challenge Tayebwa, setting up what could become a highly contested internal race.
Among the leading contenders are Mary Kamuli Kuteesa and Robinah Rwakoojo with supporters citing their legal and governance background as key strengths. Kuteesa previously worked as head of legal at Uganda National
Another aspirant, Edward Makmot Otto, has been lobbying MPs on the basis of his legal expertise and parliamentary experience.
Marshall Alenyo has meanwhile framed his campaign around regional balance and geopolitical inclusion for the West Nile sub region.
Also in the race is Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, who is campaigning on a platform focused on digital transformation, transparency and anti-corruption reforms within Parliament.
The growing number of aspirants reflects deeper competition within the ruling party as different regional blocs, political camps and interest groups seek influence in the leadership structure of the 12th Parliament.
Political analysts say Sunday’s caucus meeting will therefore serve as more than a routine organisational gathering.
Instead, it is likely to become a key test of Museveni’s ability to maintain cohesion within the NRM caucus while balancing regional interests, political loyalties and the growing demand for internal consultation in leadership selection.
The stakes are especially high because the next Parliament is being formed at a time of increased public scrutiny over corruption, government spending and the cost of politics.