• Persis Namuganza has declared her bid for Speaker after winning Bukono County as an independent.
  • NRM CEC has already endorsed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
  • Norbert Mao and Chris Baryomunsi have been floated in speakership discussions, though Mao has distanced himself.

The race for the Speaker of the 12th Parliament is heating up as new names keep popping up and showing interest in the seat. The latest is Bukono County MP-elect, Persis Namuganza, who has formally declared her intention to contest for the top position.

Namuganza won the parliamentary election as an independent after losing the NRM primaries, securing victory in Bukono County. She now seeks to unseat incumbent Speaker Anita Among, who recently went through unopposed as Woman MP for Bukedea District.

“I have the experience, the courage, and the commitment to lead with fairness and firmness,” Namuganza said, adding, “Above all, I commit to a corruption-free parliament. The integrity of this House must be beyond reproach.”

She pledged to champion transparency, unity, and objectivity, saying these values are critical in strengthening democracy and good governance.

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“I commit to leading a transparent and accountable parliament. The processes of this House must be open, fair, and guided strictly by the rules of procedure and the Constitution,” she said.

Her declaration comes at a time when the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (CEC) has already endorsed Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa to retain their respective positions — a move that doesn’t seem to sit well with some party members.

“I think they should go back to the procedure of calling members of the ruling party who want to contest for the speakership to come out and express interest,” Namuganza argued.

Namuganza, who also serves as State Minister for Housing, previously faced a censure motion in the 11th Parliament over allegations of misconduct and contempt of Parliament, though the process did not succeed.

Meanwhile, Tayebwa has been rallying support for continuity. “I’m 100 percent sure the NRM government and party will bring the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. We are going to support the Right Honourable Anita Among,” he said, noting both leaders intend to serve their final terms in the roles.

Previously, ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi had also hinted at interest in the same office.

However, much of the political talk has centered on Norbert Mao, President of the Democratic Party, who has been touted by some as a potential consensus Speaker. Mao has since distanced himself from the role, saying he is only carrying out consultations, while Among has downplayed him as a threat.

Newly elected MPs are expected to choose the Speaker in May after being sworn in.