KYANKWANZI, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has broken his silence on the intensifying contest for the speakership of the 12th Parliament, addressing the friction within the ruling National Resistance Movement during a retreat for legislators-elect.
Speaking at the National Leadership Institute on Wednesday, Museveni responded to growing internal criticism regarding the Central Executive Committee’s recommendation to maintain incumbents Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa in their current leadership roles.
The president’s remarks were prompted by a challenge from Aringa South lawmaker Alioni Odria, who argued that endorsing only two candidates undermines internal party democracy. Odria is among several members, including Justice Minister Norbert Mao and Mbale City MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto, who have expressed interest in the speakership.
Regarding the issue of standing for speaker, that is a matter we shall discuss at the appropriate time, Museveni said. CEC had earlier recommended that we maintain the current arrangement, as it has become something of a tradition. This remains a recommendation.
He clarified that the party would eventually deliberate on the matter properly, weighing all facts before a final decision is reached ahead of the new Parliament’s commencement in May.
The president also used the platform to address the ongoing fight against corruption, following questions from lawmakers about the status of arrests within the 11th Parliament. Museveni defended the government’s record, citing the 2024 prosecution of several MPs accused of soliciting kickbacks from the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
Why are you saying that corruption is not being addressed? People are being arrested, he said. They were arrested, they were prosecuted and due process was followed.
Beyond these controversies, Museveni delivered an ideological address focused on the NRM’s core pillars: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He warned that ideological bankruptcy and a lack of discipline remain the primary obstacles to Africa’s progress.
The week-long retreat, which runs through April 15, includes more than 300 newly elected NRM members and independents who have aligned with the ruling party. Throughout the opening days, lawmakers raised local concerns ranging from road infrastructure in Butaleja to the theft of medicines from government hospitals.
