By Nathan Eyagu 

Kampala — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially endorsed outgoing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker in the incoming 12th Parliament.

The announcement was made through a statement shared on Gen. Muhoozi’s official X account, where he revealed that the decision followed guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

According to Muhoozi, all Members of Parliament aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), together with legislators sympathetic to the movement, have been directed to support Tayebwa for the influential parliamentary position.

“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations Rt. Honourable,” Muhoozi posted.

The endorsement comes at a critical moment as political mobilization intensifies ahead of the election of parliamentary leaders for Uganda’s 12th Parliament.

Thomas Tayebwa, who served as Deputy Speaker in the outgoing Parliament, is regarded as one of the influential young politicians within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). During his tenure, he presided over several major parliamentary debates and legislative processes, strengthening his political standing within the ruling party.

Political observers believe Muhoozi’s endorsement could significantly boost Tayebwa’s chances of retaining the office, especially given the growing influence of the Patriotic League of Uganda among sections of the ruling party and newly elected legislators.

The development also follows recent political shifts surrounding the Speakership race. In recent days, PLU reportedly withdrew its earlier support for outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among before Gen. Muhoozi later publicly endorsed State Minister for Defence Jacob Oboth Oboth for the Speakership position.

The latest endorsement signals continued political realignments within the ruling party as preparations for the leadership of the 12th Parliament gather momentum.

More developments are expected as the NRM continues internal consultations ahead of the official parliamentary leadership elections.