Uganda’s Muhoozi Endorses Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker, Reversing Previous Stance
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly endorsed incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain his position in the upcoming 12th Parliament – a sharp reversal after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) withdrew its support just last week.
In a post on X, Gen. Kainerugaba wrote: “On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable @Thomas_Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations.”
The about-face follows what the General described as direct guidance from President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief. The PLU had previously pulled support for Tayebwa amid widespread criticism of Speaker Anita Among, though the statement did not explicitly link the reversal to that criticism.
Gen. Kainerugaba has also backed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker, signaling significant internal shifts within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the May 25 parliamentary vote.
Public Reaction: Accusations of Tribalism and Selective Justice
While loyalists celebrated the move as a sign of party discipline, social media users – particularly under Gen. Kainerugaba’s post – voiced sharp criticism.
One user, The Brief Media, raised concerns about tribalism and double standards, writing: “It will cause public sentiments basing on tribalism… What do you think it will think when u maintain a western and chase an eastern?”
In a follow-up reply, the same account accused leadership of selective anti-corruption efforts: “If you are fighting real corruption then everyone should be included… Tayebwa is not different same office. You seconded a speaker who [was] heard in the mabati scandal.. if it’s a clean up clean everything.”
These comments reflect growing unease among some Ugandans that the anti-corruption push – which initially targeted Speaker Anita Among – is being applied unevenly, with Deputy Speaker Tayebwa now shielded despite occupying the same office.
Tight Race in a Dominant Parliament
The 529-seat parliament gives the NRM a commanding majority with 359 seats, making the party’s internal choices all but decisive. Critics have also pointed to a notable lack of gender balance, as both of Gen. Kainerugaba’s endorsed candidates – Tayebwa and Oboth-Oboth – are men.
The May 25 vote will determine whether Tayebwa retains his seat as Deputy Speaker. For now, the General’s endorsement – and the public backlash it has drawn – sets the stage for a contentious parliamentary session.
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