Muhoozi Trashes Anita Among’s Speakership Bid Over Extravagancy And Multi Billion Rolls Royce

What had appeared to be a settled contest for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a barrage of unusually direct social media posts by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and leader of the increasingly influential Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).

For several weeks, political observers within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) had largely treated the return of Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as almost guaranteed following their endorsement by the party’s powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC).

But Muhoozi’s latest interventions have dramatically altered the political atmosphere, triggering renewed speculation about possible divisions within the ruling establishment and opening the door to an unpredictable Speakership race.

In a post published on X, Muhoozi hinted that PLU could back a rival candidate separate from the one fronted by the NRM hierarchy.

“We have another candidate…call him/her the PLU candidate,” Muhoozi wrote, instantly igniting debate across Kampala’s political circles and social media platforms.

The cryptic statement has since fuelled widespread speculation that PLU may be reconsidering its support for Among despite earlier endorsements from senior party organs.

Muhoozi followed the remark with another post that deepened uncertainty surrounding the race.

“Whether Anita or Mao or whoever the will of Mzee will prevail!” he wrote, before adding another politically loaded statement: “PLU supports whatever position President Museveni takes and we do not listen to NRM’s CEC.”

The comments emerged shortly after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni informed delegates attending the ongoing NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi that discussions concerning the Speaker position would be handled “at the right time,” signalling that the matter remained unresolved despite earlier assumptions inside the party.

Within NRM power structures, Muhoozi’s statements are rarely dismissed casually.

Apart from serving as Uganda’s army chief, the First Son has steadily built political influence through PLU, a movement that has rapidly expanded its footprint among younger legislators, MPs-elect and ruling party mobilisers across the country.

Political analysts say his public pronouncements increasingly shape internal alignments within the NRM, with many politicians carefully monitoring his signals before openly declaring their positions.

The timing of Muhoozi’s apparent shift away from Among has further intensified political debate because it coincides with mounting public criticism surrounding reports that the Speaker recently acquired a Rolls Royce allegedly valued at approximately Shs3.4 billion.

The ultra-luxury vehicle, reportedly imported from the United Kingdom, has dominated political conversation in Uganda over recent days and triggered heated reactions online.

Although Among has reportedly maintained that the car was a gift, the explanation has failed to silence critics who argue that the purchase projects extravagance at a time when many Ugandans continue grappling with high living costs, unemployment and economic pressure.

Muhoozi appeared to indirectly reference the controversy in one of his strongest public comments yet.

“I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a rolls royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either,” he posted.

The statement was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled criticism of excessive displays of wealth among political leaders.

He later escalated the criticism with another strongly worded message that appeared aimed at corruption and misuse of public office.

“Our job is to SERVE Ugandans not ourselves! I cannot support corruption! I risked my life to make this country peaceful. Now that it is, it will not be taken by thieves. Never!” Muhoozi wrote.

In yet another post, the PLU leader criticised what he described as excessive parliamentary spending, arguing that resources allocated to Parliament should instead be directed toward improving the welfare of ordinary Ugandans.

According to Muhoozi, PLU believes public funds would be better spent helping “millions of Ugandans living in shacks, with no water or power.”

The Rolls Royce controversy has since evolved into more than just a debate about a luxury vehicle.

Globally associated with prestige and immense wealth, the high-end automobile features executive rear seating, premium leather interiors, advanced infotainment systems, air suspension technology, collision warning systems and a powerful V12 engine.

But for many Ugandans, the political backlash has focused less on the car’s specifications and more on the symbolism attached to such opulence during a period of economic hardship for many households.

The unfolding political drama gained further momentum after PLU Secretary General Daudi Kabanda appeared to signal a possible alternative political strategy.

“The PLU Candidates for Speakership shall win massively,” Kabanda posted, a statement many analysts interpreted as confirmation that the movement may either field or endorse a different candidate outside the expected lineup.

Attention has now shifted to identifying who PLU could eventually support should it formally move away from Among.

Political insiders suggest Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa remains one of the strongest possibilities due to his growing influence within Parliament and popularity among younger legislators.

Others believe Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth could emerge as a compromise figure capable of attracting support from both political and security power centres within the ruling establishment.

For now, however, Muhoozi has chosen to keep the country guessing.

And in Uganda’s political landscape, when Muhoozi speaks in cryptic tones, those within the ruling party often pay very close attention.