A fresh political storm has erupted within Uganda’s power circles after the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), the political pressure group chaired by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, dramatically withdrew its earlier endorsement of Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for leadership of the 12th Parliament.
In a strongly worded press release dated May 12, 2026, the PLU announced that it had officially retracted a March 11 directive in which Gen. Muhoozi had instructed all PLU-leaning Members of Parliament-elect to support Among for Speaker and Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.
The sudden reversal has sent shockwaves through the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) establishment, exposing what insiders describe as deepening behind-the-scenes political calculations ahead of the highly anticipated parliamentary leadership race.
The statement, signed by PLU General Secretary David Kabanda, MP, declared that the endorsement of Among and Tayebwa “is retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.”
The development effectively throws the Speakership contest wide open and signals that the Muhoozi camp is repositioning itself to align directly with President Yoweri Museveni’s preferred candidates.
“The Leadership of the Patriotic League of Uganda encourages its Hon. Members Elect to support the candidates that will be presented to them by H.E the President for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker,” the statement reads in part.
The move is being interpreted by political observers as a significant retreat from an earlier attempt by the Muhoozi camp to independently shape succession politics and parliamentary power dynamics.
For weeks, speculation had been growing within political corridors that tensions were emerging over the direction of the next Parliament and the role different factions within the NRM intended to play.
By withdrawing the endorsement, PLU appears to be signaling renewed deference to President Museveni’s authority at a time when questions over political succession, loyalty, and internal influence continue to dominate national politics.
Perhaps most revealing in the statement was PLU’s insistence that its members must always follow the “command, instructions and guidance” of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“That in the PLU, we follow the command, instructions and guidance of our Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at all times,” the statement emphasized.
The wording has sparked debate among political analysts, with some viewing it as evidence of the increasingly militarized command structure associated with the movement, while others see it as an attempt to reinforce discipline amid possible internal disagreements.
The reversal also raises difficult questions for Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, both of whom had previously appeared to enjoy strong backing from influential factions within the ruling establishment.
Political insiders say the withdrawal could weaken their perceived inevitability and embolden rival camps that have quietly been mobilizing support ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Sources within the NRM say the latest development suggests that a final decision on parliamentary leadership may now rest entirely in President Museveni’s hands, with all factions being instructed to fall in line.
The timing of the announcement is also politically significant.
It comes amid heightened maneuvering within the ruling party following the conclusion of the general elections and growing discussions over the future balance of power inside government.
Analysts believe the PLU’s retreat could indicate that negotiations at the highest levels of power are still ongoing and that alliances remain fluid.
The Patriotic League of Uganda has in recent years emerged as one of the most visible political formations associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, mobilizing support among youth, political leaders, and sections of the security establishment.
The group has frequently projected itself as a major political force capable of influencing national decision-making.
However, Tuesday’s statement may now fuel perceptions that despite its growing visibility, the PLU remains ultimately subordinate to the broader NRM hierarchy under President Museveni.
Critics have already seized on the development as proof that the ruling party’s internal power structures remain tightly controlled from the top, regardless of emerging political factions.
Others argue the reversal demonstrates the delicate balancing act Gen. Muhoozi must maintain as he continues to navigate Uganda’s complex succession politics while avoiding direct confrontation with the President’s established authority.
Neither Speaker Anita Among nor Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa had publicly responded to the withdrawal by press time.
Likewise, State House and the NRM secretariat had not issued official comments on the matter.
But within political circles in Kampala, the announcement has already intensified speculation about who President Museveni could eventually endorse for the two powerful parliamentary positions.
With the Speakership race now thrown into uncertainty, lobbying among MPs-elect is expected to intensify in the coming days as rival camps reposition themselves for what could become one of the most closely watched parliamentary contests in recent years.
For now, one message from the Muhoozi camp appears unmistakable: the final word on the leadership of the 12th Parliament belongs to President Museveni.
