Muhoozi endorses Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker in 12th Parliament

KAMPALA - The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly endorsed outgoing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for the same position in the upcoming 12th Parliament, in a move that could significantly shape the contest for Parliament’s second-highest leadership office.

In a statement posted on his official X account on May 18, 2026, Muhoozi announced that all legislators aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) would support Tayebwa’s bid following consultations with President Yoweri Museveni, whom he referred to as the Commander-in-Chief.

“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU-leaning MPs will support Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations, Rt Honourable,” Muhoozi posted.

The endorsement immediately injected fresh momentum into Tayebwa’s campaign and signalled the growing influence of PLU in shaping the leadership structure of the next Parliament.

Tayebwa, who has served as Deputy Speaker since 2022, is widely viewed within the ruling National Resistance Movement as one of the party’s most effective parliamentary mobilisers.

The endorsement also comes amid rapidly changing political calculations surrounding the race for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

A week ago, PLU directed its MPs-elect to support outgoing defence minister Jacob Oboth Oboth for the top parliamentary seat after more than 300 MPs attended his thanksgiving ceremony on May 16, 2026.

The developments follow ongoing investigations involving outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among, which in recent days have attracted national attention after security agencies reportedly searched properties linked to her in Nakasero, Kigo, Ntinda, Bukedea and her parliamentary offices.

Sources told New Vision that documents, electronic devices and several luxury vehicles were recovered for forensic examination.

The latest declaration, however, appears to settle that uncertainty, with PLU and its allies now openly rallying behind Tayebwa to retain the office he has held since 2022.

The 12th Parliament is expected to vote for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker on May 25.