KAMPALA.
In a dramatic turn of events ,a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)has petitioned the High Court to nullify the party’s endorsement of incumbents Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa as flag bearers for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Apollo Kibira filed the application on Friday at the Civil Division, seeking judicial review of what he describes as an irregular endorsement process by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The challenge comes days after President Museveni, the party leader, confirmed that CEC had endorsed the pair to continue their tenure when MPs vote in May.
Now, Kibira wants the court to quash the CEC decision, prohibit its implementation, and compel the party to conduct a fresh internal process allowing eligible NRM MPs to express interest in the positions.
“An order of certiorari doth issue quashing the decision of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the first respondent endorsing the second and third respondents as NRM flag bearers for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker,” the application states.
The application names the NRM as the first respondent, with Among and Tayebwa as the second and third respondents.
In his supporting affidavit, Kibira says he is an ardent NRM member and a firm believer in democracy and the rule of law.
He contends the endorsement was made without allowing other eligible MPs the opportunity to express interest.
According to the court filing, the CEC first endorsed Among and Tayebwa on January 29, 2026, and confirmed the decision on February 20, 2026, in Entebbe.
Kibira argues the process violated the Constitution of Uganda, the Political Parties and Organisations Act, and NRM’s internal rules, infringing on members’ rights to equality, political participation, and fair administrative action.
The affidavit notes that Among and Tayebwa are necessary parties as direct beneficiaries of the contested decision.
Kibira warns that “unless the court intervenes, the respondents will implement the endorsement, rendering the application moot.”
He is also seeking general damages and costs, and plans to rely on his affidavit, annexed documents, and additional evidence admitted by the court during the hearing.
Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected by MPs from among themselves through a secret ballot supervised by the Chief Justice or a designated judge.