Parliamentary showdown: Wanyoto enters Speaker's race challenging Among reign

MBALE - Newly elected Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament Lydia Wanyoto Mutende has officially thrown her hat into the ring for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, setting the stage for a fierce contest against incumbent Speaker Anita Among and three other declared aspirants.

Four independent newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs-elect) have formally declared their support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Others are Dr. Charles Ngabirano of Rwampara East, Patrick Ochan of Apac Municipality, Teopista Acamfua, Zombo.

Wanyoto made her announcement on Friday (February 20) during a media briefing at the historic House 49 in Mbale's Malukhu Estate—a location steeped in political significance as the site where President Yoweri Museveni narrowly escaped death during a firefight with Idi Amin's soldiers on January 22, 1973.

"I was advised by youth and voters in Mbale City to launch my Speakership struggle at this historical house to show the country that Mbale contributed to the national cake," Wanyoto said, referencing the incident where Museveni, then a young guerrilla leader with Fronasa, escaped while his comrades Martin Mwesiga and Wunku Mpima were killed.

Wanyoto becomes the fourth declared candidate in what is shaping up to be a dramatic contest, joining incumbent Anita Among, Justice Minister Norbert Mao and Persis Namuganza.  

Unconfirmed reports also indicate that West Nile region is grooming another candidate for the seat.

"Let's subject ourselves to elective positions, not being appointed. Why appoint someone to lead a democratic house?" Wanyoto challenged, taking a thinly veiled swipe at perceived backroom dealings in leadership selection. 

"Uganda now has a better person to become Speaker, and that is Lydia Wanyoto Mutende. Why fear being subjected to election processes?" She wondered. 

The Mbale legislator pledged to follow due process, including writing to the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus, NRM party leadership, and President Museveni to express her interest. "We cannot continue being agents of Speakership aspirants. I'm going for that seat at any cost," she declared.

Wanyoto (C) touted her extensive qualifications for the position, describing herself as a "certified and practised lawyer" with legal acumen and academic credentials, including two master's degrees from Makerere University—one in Human Rights Law and another in Gender and Women Studies. (Credit: Paul Wanyoto)

Wanyoto credentials

Wanyoto touted her extensive qualifications for the position, describing herself as a "certified and practised lawyer" with legal acumen and academic credentials, including two master's degrees from Makerere University—one in Human Rights Law and another in Gender and Women Studies.

Her political and diplomatic resume includes serving as Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, temporarily heading the African Union Mission to Somalia in 2014, and serving two consecutive terms in the East African Legislative Assembly starting in 2001.

Wanyoto's entry into parliamentary politics comes after multiple attempts at elected office. 

She recently secured victory as Mbale City Woman MP, defeating incumbent Connie Nakayenze Galiwango in the 2025 electoral cycle after years of persistent campaigning despite previous losses.

Her declaration on Friday has already drawn reactions from Bugisu voters excited about what they termed as potential to realign the region's political leadership.

Bashir manana northern city division welcomed the decision taken by Lydia Wanyoto Mutende to contest for Speakership, adding that it's been long overdue.

“We last Speaker from Mbale or Bugisu region 30 years back during James Wapakhabulo so support Wanyoto to go for that seat without fear,” Manana said.

“The Uganda of today is about positioning yourself, and Lydia is knowledgeable to lead the house. She has all ot takes, she has been gazetted in the Uganda gazette, so nothing can stop her from contesting against Annita Among,” he said.

Dawuda Kawanga of northern division in Mbale city also supported Wanyoto's move to contest against Among, saying it's her constitutional right as long as she meets the required demands.

“We are appealing to all the Elgon, Bukeddi, Busoga, and Sebei Sub-regions to join hands and support Wanyoto's Speakership bid,” he said.

While Speaker Among maintains firm control of parliamentary leadership with backing from sections of the NRM establishment, Wanyoto's entry introduces uncertainty into what many assumed would be a straightforward retention bid.

Beyond her legislative and diplomatic experience, Wanyoto serves on the board of directors of Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE).