By Gad Masereka
The Patriotic League of Uganda has withdrawn its earlier endorsement of Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, in a dramatic reversal that signals a significant shift in the parliamentary leadership contest ahead of the new Parliament’s inauguration.
In a press statement dated Tuesday, May 12, 2026 and signed by General Secretary David Kabanda, MP, the PLU announced that the endorsement it issued on March 11, 2026 in favour of the two candidates has been retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.
The statement, issued under the authority of PLU Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, directed all PLU-leaning Members of Parliament elect to abandon the earlier guidance and instead rally behind candidates that will be presented by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for both positions.
“That the endorsement of Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively for the 12th Parliament of Uganda vide a letter dated 11th March, 2026 is retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect,” the statement reads in part.
The PLU further reminded its membership that the organisation follows the command, instructions, and guidance of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at all times, a declaration that underscores the centralised authority within the movement and leaves little room for individual Members of Parliament to deviate from the new position.
The withdrawal comes at a politically sensitive moment, just as Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares to convene and elect its leadership. The PLU’s earlier backing of Among and Tayebwa had been seen as a strong show of support from within the ruling establishment, making Tuesday’s reversal all the more striking.
It remains unclear what prompted the change of position, but the statement’s emphasis on awaiting presidential guidance suggests that the final word on who occupies the two top parliamentary seats is yet to come directly from State House.