MPs Allegedly Reject Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, Demand Gender Balance in Parliament Leadership

Uganda’s Parliament opened nominations for Deputy Speaker on Monday, setting up a three-way contest that quickly turned into a sharp debate over gender representation, leadership continuity, and experience. Lawmakers formally nominated Sarah Aguti, Asinansi Nyakato, and incumbent Thomas Tayebwa before voting began in the afternoon.

The contest for the No. 2 post in the 12th Parliament unfolded hours after Jacob Oboth Oboth was elected Speaker, sparking immediate pushback from legislators who said the House risked locking women out of its top leadership.

Gender balance takes center stage

Calls for a woman to fill the Deputy Speaker role dominated the nomination session. Several MPs argued that with both Speakership candidates being men, Parliament needed to correct the balance to reflect Uganda’s commitment to equal opportunity.

The push gained momentum when Charles Tebandeke, MP for Bbaale County, nominated Asinansi Nyakato. He described her as a disciplined and patriotic leader capable of upholding the institution’s dignity.

“She is a patriot, a nationalist to the service. She is a custodian of dignity,” Tebandeke told the House.

He added that the Deputy Speaker’s office should serve Ugandans first, not political factions.

Former Leader of Opposition Betty Aol Ochan, Woman MP for Gulu City, seconded Nyakato’s nomination and delivered one of the strongest appeals for gender inclusion during the sitting.

“I have been in Parliament for long, serving my fifth term. There is no time that both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are both men,” Aol said.

“A House without a woman is not a House. We talk about equal opportunities. But where are those opportunities when only men preside over the House?” she added.

Her remarks resonated with MPs concerned that Parliament’s presiding officers would be entirely male following Monday’s earlier vote for Speaker.

Reform and accountability enter the race

Sarah Aguti’s nomination brought a focus on reform and anti-corruption. Her proposer argued that Parliament needed leadership willing to confront graft and improve legislative efficiency.

“When we wanted to work there was no money. Sarah Aguti will be able to fight corruption. Let’s vote for the betterment of Parliament,” the proposer said.

Aguti accepted the nomination and pledged to carry out the duties of the office in line with the law and parliamentary procedure.

Incumbent banks on track record

State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro nominated incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, citing his performance in the previous term.

“His credentials speak for themselves and he is result-oriented,” Nyamutoro said.

Buvuma Islands MP Robert Migadde Ndugwa backed Tayebwa on grounds of continuity, arguing that stability mattered during a politically sensitive period.

“Difficult times call for difficult decisions. Why move with the moon when the sun has not offended you?” Migadde said.

Voting underway

The House moved to voting at 2:40 p.m. local time, with Aguti, Nyakato, and Tayebwa as the three candidates on the ballot.

The outcome will determine whether Parliament maintains its current leadership structure or ushers in a change that alters the gender composition of its top two posts.