Parliament Speakership: Namuganza vows to clean up mess in House

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Lands state minister Persis Namuganza has welcomed the latest move by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to realign its parliamentary leadership.

It should be recalled that during the NRM Parliamentary Caucus retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, which concluded on April 14 this year, President Museveni was expected to endorse a Central Executive Committee (CEC) resolution backing incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for a second term at the helm.

However, he refrained, saying the matter would be discussed at an appropriate time. A move many analysts said was an indicator that a key realignment in the ranks of the August House was in the offing.

In close sequence, on May 12, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic body headed by First Son and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, rescinded its earlier support for the duo through a statement read by Kassambya County MP David Kabanda.

With the latest developments coming from May 14’s State House meeting suggesting that the political tide might be turning against Speaker Among, also Bukedea Woman MP, addressing journalists today, May 15, 2026, Namuganza the Bukono County MP whose relationship with Among has long been described as frosty owing to her censure three years ago, which still President Museveni declined to approve, the going abouts are music to her ears.

Namuganza thanked President Yoweri Museveni for allowing her to contest as an Independent in the recent General Election, despite machinations by unnamed political actors who were bent on ending her political career.

“I love my party NRM so much. But I was somehow disadvantaged by some people, opportunists who never wanted me back in Parliament. That’s why I am so grateful. The journey has been long, actions and all that…” she remarked.

Furthermore, Namuganza added that the reason she is still in the Speakership race boils down to what Parliament has become lately.

“I was the first person to come out and declare my candidature to become the Speaker of the 12th Parliament. After I had investigated, scrutinised and saw that this House, the Parliamentary leadership we have been having deviated from working for the nation and started working for themselves. It's so disheartening that instead of people serving the nation, they are serving their personal interests. Not even corruption, but looting national resources,” she said.

“The technical wing, you can no longer tell who the boss of whom is. You find 12 people in one room; everyone has been brought to work for Parliament. Which work are they supposed to do? No one knows. Deciding their salaries, not following any procedures whatsoever of the outlined guidelines, as far as Public Service is concerned. We cannot have a Parliament which separates itself from the entire Government mainstreamed system of determining salaries and recruitment of staff,” Namuganza said.

However, New Vision Online could not independently verify Namuganza's claims against the current Parliament leadership.

Accountability

Reason why if God answers her prayers to become Speaker of Parliament, besides allowing members space to legislate, heads must roll.

“When I become Speaker of the 12th Parliament, those are my first assignments to ensure that the Parliamentary technical staff is well recruited, people with the capacity to work and deliver and that they know their organisational or Parliamentary chain. Because right now no one knows who is above whom,” she said.

“When I become Speaker, I will request the head of state, first of all, he is our father, to instruct all anti-corruption agencies to investigate this Parliament and bring it to order,” Namuganza summed.