By Ceasar Ivan Okello/Lira 12th May 2026
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has officially withdrawn its support for Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Annet Among and her deputy Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa in the upcoming election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, in a dramatic political development that could reshape the race for Parliament’s top leadership.
The latest twist follows growing controversy surrounding Speaker Among, particularly over allegations of extravagant spending and misuse of public resources.
Trouble for Anita Among reportedly intensified on Sunday night when the Founder and Chairman of PLU, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly criticized the Speaker over the alleged purchase of a luxurious Rolls-Royce vehicle reportedly valued at Shs4.5 billion.
Gen Muhoozi, who also serves as the Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), questioned the morality of acquiring such an expensive vehicle using taxpayers’ money in a country struggling with poverty and service delivery challenges.
According to Muhoozi, despite being President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s son for 52 years, he has never seen his father use a vehicle as expensive as the Rolls-Royce reportedly linked to the Speaker.
His remarks immediately sparked political debate and intensified pressure on the Speaker, who has recently faced mounting public criticism over alleged corruption and financial mismanagement in Parliament.
PLU Officially Withdraws Support
On Tuesday, during President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony, Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa reportedly received another political setback after PLU formally announced the withdrawal of its earlier endorsement.
In a letter signed by PLU General Secretary Hon David Kabanda, the political movement confirmed that Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba had directed the immediate withdrawal of support previously extended to Among and Tayebwa.
Kabanda revealed that on March 11, 2026, Gen Muhoozi had instructed all PLU-leaning MPs-elect to support the re-election of Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for a second term.
According to the letter, all PLU MPs-elect will instead support a candidate endorsed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Kabanda further emphasized that PLU remains committed to following the commands, guidance, and political direction of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports indicate that Gen Muhoozi is privately lobbying President Museveni to front West Budama County MP Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
If endorsed, Oboth-Oboth’s entry into the race could significantly alter the balance of power within the ruling NRM party and Parliament.
Growing Pressure on Anita Among
Speaker Anita Among is currently facing increased public scrutiny over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public resources — accusations that critics say have damaged the image and credibility of Parliament.
Political analysts believe the withdrawal of PLU support is a major setback to her re-election bid, especially considering Gen Muhoozi’s growing influence within sections of the ruling party and among newly elected MPs.
The election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament is scheduled for May 25 and will be presided over by Chief Justice Hon Dr Flavian Zeija.