The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has shifted its position on the race for the Speakership and Deputy Speakership of the 12th Parliament, withdrawing its earlier endorsement of Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
In a statement issued under the authority of PLU Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the organisation directed its political wing in Parliament to align with candidates to be presented by President Yoweri Museveni, signalling a renewed centralisation of decision-making ahead of the parliamentary leadership contest.
“On 11th March, 2026 the Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba guided that all PLU leaning Hon. Members elect should support the Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among for Speaker and Rt. Hon. Tayebwa Thomas for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda,” the statement read in part.
However, the PLU has now officially reversed that position.
“That the endorsement of Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively for the 12th Parliament of Uganda vide a letter dated 11th March, 2026 is retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect,” the statement added.
The organisation further directed its members to await the President’s preferred candidates.
“That the Leadership of the Patriotic League of Uganda encourages its Hon. Members Elect to support the candidates that will be presented to them by H.E the President for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
The statement emphasised internal discipline within the movement, noting that members are expected to follow directives from the PLU leadership.
“That in the PLU, we follow the command, instructions and guidance of our Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at all times,” it stated.
The development comes at a time when the Speakership race has attracted heightened political interest, with Justice Minister Norbert Mao also declaring interest in the position.
The contest has already exposed competing alignments within the ruling establishment, as candidates position themselves ahead of the election of parliamentary leadership.