Tayebwa says 'banking on NRM caucus', to secure deputy Speaker seat

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Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has expressed strong confidence that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will rally behind him in the race for Deputy Speaker, saying he trusts the party’s internal structures and believes continuity will prevail.

Speaking to journalists on the evening of March 4, 2026, Tayebwa said he is leaving his bid in the hands of the NRM caucus, insisting that the party has a clear and structured mechanism for selecting its flag bearers for top parliamentary positions.

“I have a strong conviction that our colleagues in the NRM caucus will endorse the decision so that we can go on the floor and conclude this matter in favour of our caucus,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing interest in the position, with businessman Iddi Basajja (MP-elect for Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality) among those who have declared interest in contesting for the same seat.

Tayebwa used the opportunity to dismiss claims that he is a political newcomer within the ruling party.

“I joined NRM in 2010. In 2016, I delivered for it. In 2021, I delivered over 90%. In 2026, I delivered again,” he said, referring to his electoral performance in Ruhinda North County.

“I have been an NRM member for 15 years. How long do you want me to remain a newcomer?”

In a pointed analogy, he added: “If you have a wife for 15 years and you still call her new, what kind of husband are you?”

He urged party members to respect the official party position once agreed upon internally, noting that discipline within caucus processes has historically shaped parliamentary leadership outcomes.