Tayebwa Dropped As NRM Opens Deputy Speaker Race To Fresh Contest

By Swift Reporter

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has reportedly declined to endorse Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for the Deputy Speaker position following a high-level meeting held today, in a move insiders say was heavily influenced by ongoing corruption concerns surrounding Parliament leadership.

Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that several senior NRM officials opposed backing Tayebwa, citing the growing pressure on Parliament over corruption allegations that have in recent weeks placed Speaker Anita Among under intense public and political scrutiny.

According to sources, some members argued that endorsing Tayebwa at this time would damage the party’s image as President Yoweri Museveni intensifies efforts to combat corruption within government institutions.

“The feeling among many top officials was that the party cannot be seen protecting leaders whose names are being mentioned in corruption-related discussions,” a source privy to the deliberations said.

CEC is said to have resolved that, instead of directly endorsing a candidate, all interested contenders for the Deputy Speaker slot should formally express interest and apply through the NRM Electoral Commission headed by Dr. Tanga Odoi.

The decision effectively overturns the earlier political backing Tayebwa had received from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), leaving his political future in the race uncertain.

Party insiders say the Deputy Speaker race is now wide open, with several influential NRM figures expected to join the contest.

Tayebwa now faces an uphill battle, especially amid claims that he could be among officials subjected to further scrutiny in ongoing investigations linked to alleged corruption and misuse of parliamentary resources.

Political analysts say the development signals a shift within the ruling party, with the NRM leadership increasingly cautious about public perception ahead of future political contests.

“The anti-corruption message coming from the top is becoming harder to ignore,” one analyst noted. “Any candidate associated with controversy now faces serious resistance within the party structures.”

Neither Tayebwa nor senior NRM officials had issued an official statement on the matter by press time.

The developments come at a time when President Museveni has repeatedly emphasized the need for accountability and warned government officials against engaging in corruption, which he says continues to undermine public trust and service delivery.