The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has withdrawn its earlier endorsement of Speaker Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa.
In a statement dated May 12 and signed by the PLU secretary general, David Kabanda, the organisation said an earlier letter issued on March 11 backing Among and Tayebwa had been “retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect”.
The statement said the guidance was issued by the PLU chairman, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the CDF.
PLU also directed its members to support candidates who will be presented by President Yoweri Museveni for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
“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,” the statement reads.
The development introduces fresh uncertainty into the race for top parliamentary positions following the January general elections.
Among and Tayebwa have been seen as influential figures within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with Among especially viewed as a strong contender to retain the speakership because of her close ties to the party leadership and her control of parliamentary business during the 11th Parliament.
The contest has also attracted other high-profile contenders, including Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao, who formally declared his bid for speaker earlier this year.
Mao has insisted he will remain in the race despite reports of pressure from various sections to step aside in favour of Among.
Political analysts say Mao’s candidature has complicated the race because it introduces an opposition-linked figure into a contest traditionally dominated by the ruling NRM. Mao has argued that his bid is aimed at reforming Parliament and strengthening legislative independence
However, the PLU statement suggests the group is stepping back from publicly backing individual candidates before President Museveni formally guides the ruling party caucus.
In our political system, the NRM caucus endorsement is often decisive because the ruling party commands the majority in Parliament.
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