In a major political move, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) reportedly retracted its backing for Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for their respective leadership roles in Parliament.
The political temperature in Uganda reached a boiling point this week following reports that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially retracted its support for the incumbent leadership of Parliament. For months, the re-election of Anita Among as Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker seemed like a foregone conclusion, bolstered by a coalition of high-ranking military and political interests. However, this sudden withdrawal of backing represents a seismic shift that could redefine the power dynamics of the 11th Parliament.
A Strategic Withdrawal
The Patriotic League of Uganda has rapidly evolved from a civic movement into a formidable political force with significant influence within the ruling party and the security apparatus. Its initial endorsement of the Among-Tayebwa ticket was seen as a bridge between the “old guard” and the “new generation” of NRM leaders. By pulling back now, the PLU is signaling a desire for a different style of legislative management—one perhaps more closely aligned with the “Kisanja of No Sleep” catchphase recently championed by the President.
Inside sources suggest that the retraction is not merely a personality clash but a strategic pivot. The PLU’s move allows it to distance itself from the controversies that have occasionally shadowed the current leadership, giving the organisation the flexibility to back candidates who might offer a “fresh start” in the eyes of a public increasingly weary of parliamentary overspending and alleged financial impropriety.
The Ripple Effect on the NRM Caucus
The NRM has traditionally valued “stability and continuity,” often deciding on its parliamentary candidates long before the floor vote occurs. The PLU’s decision disrupts this predictability. With the Patriotic League commanding the loyalty of a growing number of younger, more vocal MPs, their retraction of support could lead to a split in the caucus.
If the PLU decides to field its own preferred candidates or back a different duo, it will force the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) into a difficult position. The party must now choose between maintaining the status quo to avoid internal friction or acknowledging the rising influence of Gen. Muhoozi’s camp by facilitating a leadership change. This uncertainty has left several MPs in a “wait-and-see” mode, hesitant to publicly commit to any side until the dust settles.
What This Means for Among and Tayebwa
For the incumbents, Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa, the loss of PLU support is a significant hurdle but not necessarily an end-of-the-road scenario. Both have spent their current terms building deep-rooted networks of patronage and friendship across both sides of the aisle. They are veteran mobilizers who understand the arithmetic of a parliamentary vote better than most.
However, without the unified backing of the NRM’s most influential pressure groups, their path to a second term becomes significantly more uphill. They now find themselves in a position where they must renegotiate their value to the party and the presidency, proving that they remain the best candidates to steer the legislative arm of government through the ambitious industrialization and anti-corruption goals set out for 2026 and beyond.
A Test of Influence
As the race for the Speakership intensifies, all eyes will be on Gen. Muhoozi and the PLU leadership to see who they will support instead of the incumbents. This move is more than just a vote for a Speaker; it is a test of the PLU’s ability to dictate terms within the broader Ugandan political architecture.
If the PLU succeeds in installing a new leadership team, it will solidify its status as the “kingmaker” of modern Ugandan politics. If the Among-Tayebwa ticket manages to survive this challenge, it will demonstrate that institutional power and established networks still hold sway over the shifting tides of political movements. Regardless of the outcome, the events of this week have ensured that the next session of Parliament will begin under a cloud of high-stakes political maneuvering.
