MPs divided over move to replace Among, Tayebwa

________________

Jonam County lawmaker Emmanuel Ongiertho says he is against removing the incumbent parliamentary leadership.

Speaking to New Vision Online on May 14, 2026, Ongiertho, who officially crossed from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the elections before contesting as an independent, warned that electing new leaders each term would trigger unnecessary commotion.

Ongiertho said all along NRM had set a precedent that the Speaker serves two terms uninterrupted and leaves. Also, under the current arrangement, he said the deputy serves two terms before being promoted to the senior position.

“It is definitely going to cause some contradictions going forward. Because they set a precedent, and I thought we would continue with that. And they had even already endorsed those people. But I am told now they are changing their positions. I don’t know what precedent they now want to set. What are they going to tell us as MPs?” Ongiertho said.

“To me, that may not also be very good. As I had mentioned earlier, there are issues that we have to resolve, and if it were me, I would have continued with the persons who are there as we try to resolve the issues that we think are affecting Parliament,” he opined.

However, he added that if political realignment is something the party’s leadership wants, they will toe the line.

“We are going on a dangerous path. Because we are then opening up, so that every round of the election of the Speaker, anybody can come in. Maybe that is another precedent they want to set. If that is the precedent they want to set, we will get it,” Ongiertho said.

That said, Ongiertho pointed out that while the House has faced several challenges, it is escapist for some to narrow it to the Speakers.

“If we say there has been a problem, we must all take responsibility. I don’t want it to be restricted to only the Speakers. We had all the time to guide our Speaker to be able to perform according to our interests. Yes, the alignment is there, but we must also take responsibility,” he stated.

What is at stake?

Anita Annet Among was first elected to Parliament in 2016 on an independent ticket, after earlier unsuccessful attempts on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) card, where she once served as deputy treasurer.

Since then, she has emerged as the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) crown jewel in efforts to weaken the Opposition, while also establishing herself as a regional political heavyweight in the Teso sub-region, where she hails from.

Her influence has been bolstered by a mix of philanthropic projects such as AMUS College, Bukedea Comprehensive School and Bukedea Teaching Hospital.

Also, she had extended her political reach across party lines through a blend of carrot and stick approach reason incoming Pallisa County MP Constantine Okwi says her removal must be handled carefully.

“We are in a democracy. So, if she loses the position through a democratic process, people will understand. But if there is a perception of some arm-twisting, definitely I know Ugandans are law-abiding, I do not want to foresee any situation, but there will be deeply disappointed and disappointed in their spirits,” Okwi told New Vision Online.

Asked whether Among fits the description of a bigwig and whether her removal would be a major loss for the Teso, he said it was subject to interpretation.

“In Teso, we are the humblest people. So, usually, we don’t give people names that indicate that they are now past the threshold of humility. She is called Toto there. Those that are younger call her Toto (sister), her agemates call her Inac (mum). There are even those who call her grandmother. But if you look at the track record of what she has done in education, health, and social mobilisation, she is a good name that people associate with. Anything good about her makes people happy. Anything bad about her makes people definitely sad,” he said.

That said, Okwi described ill-talk surrounding Among as unsubstantiated rumours.

“I have heard rumours. I have tried to look for any evidence, witness in vain. I want to be objective and open-minded and enter the House. My own morals dictate that I do the right thing. I have just taken the oath here, which gives direction on how I should view Uganda and serve this Parliament,” he argued.

“If we look at the guardianship of the Parliament, we are succeeding. I don’t see a problem with its leadership. I personally don’t have any issue with Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among or Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. Actually, for me, if you see that they each got one vote, it might be mine,” Okwi vowed.

What others say

Joanne Aniku Okia (Madi-Okollo Woman MP, NRM)

What I can say when corruption allegations come up, unless you are proven. If you go through the justice system and they find you innocent, then I don’t know. I only know of one person who has been prosecuted. So, I consider all the other issues allegations but we shall even fight such that there are no allegations in this House or Uganda for that matter.

Gilbert Olanya (Kilak South, FDC)

The precedent set by the NRM that as a Speaker, you go for two terms, I think that has been the worst so far. I pray that NRM abandons that. Because you may find someone who is not good, and you will suffer with that person for ten years. Nonsense. So, NRM must break that precedent.

Ismail Ogama (Lowe Madi county)

Anybody who has made it to this Parliament qualifies to be the Speaker. As a committed cadre of my party, NRM, I would not commit to jeopardising the position of the party before they clearly dictate the line we are to take as a caucus.

I will mention my position after CEC, which may still have one or two discussions. That’s what I understand, but I am not sure. But, I am a member of the NRM caucus, the resolution which will be taken in caucus is what will bind me to know who I am moving with.