Inside NRM Rift: Lawmakers Push Back Against ‘Imposed’ Speaker Candidates

Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing renewed internal debate over the leadership of the next Parliament, as President Yoweri Museveni signaled that the party will, at a later stage, justify its preferred candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Museveni addressed more than 359 newly elected NRM Members of Parliament and over 40 independents attending a caucus retreat running from April 7 to 15, 2026.

The meeting comes at a critical moment as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament.

The President’s remarks follow growing unease within the party after reports that the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had endorsed incumbent Speaker Annet Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for another term.

The reported endorsement has triggered quiet resistance among sections of legislators and party stakeholders, some of whom are calling for a more open selection process.

Museveni, however, moved to clarify the party’s position, stressing that the CEC’s role is advisory rather than determinative.

“We are not the ones who decide. We recommend and support our recommendation with reasons,” Museveni said. “When the time comes, we shall be able to explain why,” Museveni said.

His comments underscore the constitutional framework governing the election of parliamentary leadership. Article 82 of Uganda’s Constitution provides that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected by Members of Parliament from among themselves—a provision increasingly cited by legislators advocating for transparency and independence in the process.

The contest for the Speaker’s position is already shaping up to be competitive. At least six contenders have declared interest, including Among herself, Norbert Mao—who also serves as Justice minister—Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, Aringa South MP Yorke Odria, and Masindi District Woman MP Florence Asiimwe Akiiki.

The expanding field has intensified debate within the NRM, with some legislators raising concerns about what they describe as attempts to ring-fence the top parliamentary offices. Others have gone further, demanding a formal, signed resolution to confirm any CEC position, arguing that clarity is essential to maintain party cohesion.

Pressure has also emerged from within the party’s youth structures. The Revolutionary Network (NRN), an NRM-leaning youth group, has publicly rejected the reported endorsement process, arguing that established party procedures were not followed in identifying candidates for the top parliamentary roles. The group has called on party leadership to revisit the matter.

Despite the pushback, Museveni maintained that all aspirants would be given due consideration, signaling that the party would, in time, articulate the reasoning behind its eventual recommendation.

Meanwhile, the Kyankwanzi retreat continues, with discussions centered on party ideology, governance, defence and security, as well as communication strategies. The gathering is widely seen as a key platform for aligning legislators ahead of the new parliamentary term.

Notably, Mao—an opposition figure operating under a cooperation agreement with the NRM—is among those attending the retreat, highlighting the evolving political dynamics within Uganda’s landscape.

Even with Museveni’s clarification, questions persist within the ruling party over how the CEC’s recommendations will ultimately be reconciled with the constitutional mandate of Members of Parliament to independently elect the Speaker. The outcome is expected to test both party unity and the balance between internal consensus and legislative autonomy.