NRM members express interest in speakership, deputy speaker positions as CEC meets today

24 May 2026, 11:24 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the withdrawal from the Speakership race by former Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) called on interested members to express interest in contesting for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

At least 20 Members of Parliament have so far expressed interest in securing the party flag for the two top parliamentary positions.

Speaking to journalists at the party Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, the chairperson of the commission, Tanga Odoi, explained the next step following the conclusion of the expression of interest exercise.

“I want to thank the party members for expressing interest in the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Today (yesterday), we have been able to receive three Members of Parliament wanting to be Speaker, and 16 seeking the opportunity to become Deputy Speaker,” he said.

Dr. Odoi further revealed that Persis Namuganza also expressed interest despite being an independent MP.

“There is one Member of Parliament, Hon. Persis Namuganza, who expressed interest though she is independent. We have left that matter to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party to decide on. Earlier, we stated that only MPs elected on the NRM ticket qualify. However, we shall present her name to the CEC, and whatever decision is made, we shall abide by it,” he added.

He noted that the party’s Central Executive Committee was expected to convene today to determine the official flag bearers for the two positions before forwarding the names to the NRM caucus.

“We believe that by evening we shall have known the winners. And if it should be by voting, my team is ready to conduct the exercise. I also want to make it clear that the expression of interest exercise has been free of charge,” Dr. Odoi emphasized.

Among those who expressed interest in the Speakership race is Oboth Oboth. Others seeking the Deputy Speakership include Thomas Tayebwa, Rose Obiga, Susan Nakawuki, Catherine Lamwaka, and Persis Namuganza, among others.

Several female MPs argued that women should continue occupying at least one of the two top parliamentary offices, noting that since Betty Amongi became Deputy Speaker during the 6th Parliament, women have consistently held either the Speaker or Deputy Speaker position.

Out of the 529 Members of Parliament, 377 belong to the NRM party, giving the ruling party confidence that it has strong chances of retaining both offices.

Oboth Oboth said he believes he has the capability to fill Anita Among’s shoes, while Thomas Tayebwa pledged to abide by the party’s final decision. A number of the aspirants also promised to intensify the fight against corruption if elected.

Meanwhile, Steven Gasheija is among those who expressed interest in becoming Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

In a related development, the Mayor of Nansana Municipality and councillors were yesterday sworn in and pledged to work with all political parties for the development of the municipality.

Speaking during the ceremony, Serunkuuma John Bosco from the National Unity Platform (NUP) called for unity and cooperation among leaders.

“I want to thank God for this opportunity to serve the people of Nansana Municipality as their Mayor. I want to assure you that I am not going to disappoint, and I will work with everyone, including those who do not belong to the NUP party. Politics is done; now it is time for work,” he said.

He also pledged to improve the welfare of councillors during his tenure.

Nansana Municipality has a total of 61 councillors, with the majority belonging to the NRM party.