KAMPALA.
Maverick Democratic Party vice president , Fred Mukasa Mbidde, has publicly endorsed Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament respectively ,dumping his boss Norbert Mao .
In doing this, Mbidde says he is in line with the DP–NRM cooperation agreement.
Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Thursday, Mbidde questioned the practicality of DP fronting its own candidate for the speakership, citing the party’s limited representation in the 12th Parliament where Uganda’s oldest political party commands only six legislators.
“Our party has only six MPs in Parliament, so how can we front a candidate for the Speakership? DP does not support Mao for speakership,” he said.
Mbidde went on to declare his support for the incumbent parliamentary leadership.
“I back Rt. Hon. Anita Among for Speakership and her deputy, and I call on our Party President, Mao, to give them his support too,” he said.
Mbidde’s remarks come shortly after President Museveni who also serves as National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsed Among and Tayebwa as the party’s official candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions adopted during the 8th meeting of the 5th Central Executive Committee (CEC)of the NRM held on February 20, 2026.
The resolutions, signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, resolved that the two leaders be fronted as the party’s official candidates for the top parliamentary positions in the next term.
According to party officials, the names of Among and Tayebwa will now be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for formal adoption as flag bearers when the 12th Parliament convenes.
The endorsement comes amid heightened political contestation for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, with several Members of Parliament both within the NRM and from opposition parties—reportedly expressing interest ahead of elections expected during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Meanwhile, the President of the Democratic Party, Norbert Mao, recently officially declared his bid for Speaker of the next Parliament.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala, Mao said his nationwide consultation phase had concluded and that he had gathered sufficient views and support from across the country to inform his decision to contest for the top legislative seat.
Mao described corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge, arguing that it has become deeply entrenched among individuals in positions of authority.
Mao maintained that if entrusted with the Speaker’s office, he would prioritise accountability, transparency and institutional integrity within Parliament.
Mao said the legislature must reclaim its oversight role and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly.
However, the Democratic Party leader asked supporters and party members not to actively campaign for him, saying he possesses the qualifications, experience and track record necessary to contest for the position.
Mao also described Uganda as having ended up with what he termed an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in September 2022.
According to Mao, the current Speaker, Anita Among, assumed office due to unforeseen circumstances rather than as part of a long-term leadership plan for Parliament.
However, Among rejected the claims, noting that her election by 415 Members of Parliament demonstrated strong institutional legitimacy.
“There is no school for training for Speaker of Parliament. And there is no accidental Speaker of Parliament. The so-called accidental Speaker was voted by 415 Members of Parliament. Because of that, she automatically became the Speaker,” she said during the Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament last Friday.
“By God’s grace, I will be the Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Thomas Tayebwa will be the Deputy Speaker.”
Despite this, Mao insists that the country now needs what he called a deliberate and well-thought-out choice in the next Speakership race rather than one shaped by circumstance.
Weeks earlier, Mao argued that the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party and the NRM places him in a favourable position in the speakership race.
He said the NRM’s expected majority in the incoming Parliament, combined with the DP–NRM partnership, could significantly strengthen his chances.
Mao also revealed that several Members of Parliament—including those from outside the Democratic Party—have privately pledged their support.
Despite the DP currently holding only six parliamentary seats, Mao maintained that his political experience, leadership credentials and alliance with the ruling party enhance his prospects.
Some of Mao’s supporters have even compared his leadership style to that of the late Jacob Oulanyah, describing him as a conciliatory and unifying figure capable of presiding over Parliament with balance and inclusivity.
Mao further disclosed that he has already begun consultations with President Museveni under the framework of the DP–NRM cooperation agreement, signalling that his approach to the speakership race is rooted in dialogue, consensus-building and political
accommodation rather than confrontation.
The race for the speakership of the 12th Parliament has attracted several contenders.
Among those who have expressed interest are incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, Masindi District Woman MP; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County—all affiliated with the NRM.
The speakership battle has since emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year.
