Uganda’s political scene is facing renewed debate ahead of the 12th Parliament’s inaugural sitting, where Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa are expected to take office as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Concerns are now emerging over the direction of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), following criticism from political strategist Egesa Ronald.
In his remarks, Egesa questioned the consistency of PLU’s reform agenda, particularly after the return of Tayebwa to a top parliamentary position.
He argued that the momentum created when President Yoweri Museveni and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba took a firm stance against former Speaker Anita Among has since faded.
“As the 12th Parliament of Uganda heads into its inaugural sitting… a stark political reality is unfolding,” Egesa stated.
“The ‘good vibes’ generated when action was taken against Anita Among evaporated the very minute Thomas Tayebwa’s return was confirmed.”
He described the move as a missed opportunity for PLU to strengthen its credibility as a reform-driven political force.
According to him, the decision risks creating the impression that the anti-corruption campaign is selective rather than comprehensive.
“This is a masterclass in strategic fumbling by the Patriotic League of Uganda,” he said. “By retaining Tayebwa, the anti-corruption crusade now looks less like a principled cleansing and more like a targeted approach.”
Egesa warned that the development could affect public trust in PLU, noting that perception plays a central role in politics.
He argued that the group had an opportunity to demonstrate fairness in tackling corruption but instead reinforced doubts about its approach.
“Politics is entirely about perception; by settling for deception, they have shattered the very perception of reform they desperately crave,” he added.
The strategist also raised concerns about the possible impact on accountability within Parliament.
He suggested that retaining leaders linked to past controversies could discourage individuals from coming forward with information.
“Any insider or staffer preparing to whistleblow… must now retreat,” Egesa claimed. “With Tayebwa retaining his power, the threat of witness intimidation and compromised evidence is too high.”
He further pointed to what he described as entrenched political networks that could limit accountability efforts.
“The networked corruption allegations… can no longer be weaponised against him,” he said. “Doing so would expose the entire ecosystem.”
Egesa also linked the development to the political future of Anita Among, arguing that overlapping leadership tenures could complicate accountability processes.
“Tayebwa’s survival is Anita Among’s survival,” he stated. “Full justice is now paralysed, and the taxpayer may never see full accountability.”
While acknowledging the political pressures facing PLU leadership, Egesa cautioned against relying on assumptions about future political transitions.
“In the game of high-level strategy, timing is everything. You miss the timing; you miss the opportunity,” he said.
His remarks come as Uganda prepares for a new parliamentary term, with observers closely watching how the incoming leadership will handle governance and accountability concerns.