As Uganda prepares for the election of the next Speaker of Parliament following President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in, fresh debate has emerged over the extent of executive influence in the closely watched contest.
Former Principal Road Safety Officer in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ronald Amanyire, has weighed in on the unfolding race, arguing that despite visible lobbying among aspirants, the final outcome will likely be determined by the President.
“It might even reach a point where the President takes MPs to Kololo and requires them to vote by lining up behind his preferred candidate,” Amanyire said, suggesting that the process could mirror past political mobilisations where public displays of allegiance were used.
His remarks come amid heightened activity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where multiple contenders have been engaging newly elected Members of Parliament during caucus retreats and informal meetings.
Reports indicate that the Kyankwanzi retreat has doubled as a campaign ground, with candidates seeking to consolidate support ahead of the vote.
Amanyire argues that such efforts may ultimately carry limited weight.
“President Museveni’s grip on the country still shocks many. When he wants something done in his favour, he simply summons the NRM Caucus to State House,” he said.
He further described scenarios where the President’s indirect involvement shapes decisions without explicit directives.
“Sometimes he doesn’t even address them. He just walks through the room, greets them, exits, and leaves them to ‘discuss,’ fully aware that his presence alone has already determined the outcome,” Amanyire noted.
The Speaker race has already attracted controversy, with questions raised over whether the contest is genuinely open or guided by internal party consensus.
While the NRM leadership has maintained that its Central Executive Committee recommendations reflect party unity, critics argue that the process limits independent decision-making by MPs.
At the same time, the entry of candidates from outside the traditional NRM structures, including Justice Minister Norbert Mao, has added a new dimension to the race, further complicating political alignments.
With the vote expected shortly after the swearing-in of legislators, attention now shifts to whether MPs will exercise independent choice or align with perceived signals from State House.
Amanyire’s comments are likely to intensify scrutiny on the process, as Uganda enters a critical moment in determining the leadership of its next Parliament.