Muhoozi Kainerugaba Refuses To Endorse Anita Among Over Corruption

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said he will consult President Yoweri Museveni over the ongoing race for Speaker of Parliament, even as he described corruption as Uganda’s most pressing challenge.

Speaking amid heightened political activity around the Speakership, Muhoozi signaled that he would seek guidance from the Head of State before taking a position.

“As for Speaker and all the other positions you are asking me about, I shall consult Mzee and get back to you,” Muhoozi said.

His remarks come at a time when interest in the powerful parliamentary office is steadily growing. The Speakership, one of the most influential positions in Uganda’s governance structure, has attracted several high-profile contenders from across the political spectrum.

Among those who have declared interest are Lydia Wanyoto, Norbert Mao and Persis Namuganza. The incumbent Speaker, Anita Among, is also seeking another term, setting the stage for what analysts describe as a potentially competitive internal contest.

Sources familiar with recent developments indicate that Among recently met President Museveni at State House to seek his backing for her bid. However, no formal endorsement was publicly issued following the meeting. Instead, the President is reported to have urged that established party procedures be respected in determining the candidate.

Claims circulating in political circles that an endorsement had already been secured have since been challenged by senior figures within the ruling establishment. Some party members have characterized such assertions as premature and lacking formal approval.

With no definitive signal yet from State House, lobbying efforts have intensified. Supporters of various candidates are reportedly engaging in consultations within party structures and across political alliances in an effort to consolidate support ahead of any formal nomination processes.

Muhoozi’s decision to defer to the President underscores the continued central role Museveni plays in shaping key leadership decisions within the ruling political framework. While the Chief of Defence Forces did not indicate a personal preference, his remarks suggest that the President’s eventual position could significantly influence the outcome of the race.

Even as attention remains fixed on the Speakership contest, Muhoozi shifted focus to what he described as the country’s most urgent concern.

He added that the biggest problem in Uganda right now is CORRUPTION and that it is the enemy that needs to be defeated.

“We must defeat corruption,” he stressed.

His comments echo a long-standing national debate over governance, accountability, and public trust in institutions. Corruption has consistently featured among the top concerns raised by citizens, civil society groups, and policymakers.

As consultations continue and internal party deliberations unfold, the contest for Speaker remains open. Observers say the final direction is likely to depend on the outcome of behind-the-scenes engagements, party consensus-building, and the President’s eventual stance on the matter.

For now, the race remains fluid, with multiple contenders positioning themselves as Uganda awaits clearer signals from the country’s top leadership.