Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has firmly ruled out the possibility of former Democratic Party (DP) president and Justice Minister Norbert Mao becoming Speaker of the 12th Parliament, saying the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will retain the top parliamentary leadership positions within its ranks.
Tayebwa made the remarks on Saturday during the burial of the late Noreda Bangirana, mother of State Minister for Health (General Duties) Anifa Kawooya, held at All Saints Church grounds in Nyaruziba, Rukiga District.
“I am 100 percent sure that the NRM government and the NRM party will bring the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament,” Tayebwa said, dismissing suggestions that Mao could clinch one of the top House positions.
Tayebwa argued that giving the speakership or deputy speakership to a politician from another party would be “suicidal” for the ruling party, given the critical role those offices play in steering parliamentary business.
“If Mao was the president of NRM, he wouldn’t give the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker to non-members,” Tayebwa added, stressing that any aspirant for the posts should first join the NRM.
He said the cooperative relationship between the NRM and the DP — established during the 2021 elections and beyond — does not extend to handing over what he called “critical positions” to others.
Mao has in recent days indicated his interest in the speakership race, describing his potential candidature as “viable and timely” in interviews with local media. He has hinted at forming an exploratory committee to guide consultations across party lines ahead of the expected election of House leaders when the 12th Parliament convenes.
Political analysts say that despite the NRM’s numerical advantage in Parliament, Mao’s experience as a long-serving opposition figure and his engagements in national service have fuelled speculation around his potential for the speakership.
However, Tayebwa underscored that the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) has already endorsed Speaker Anita Among to continue leading the House and himself as Deputy Speaker, moves widely interpreted as pre-emptive consolidation of the ruling party’s leadership.
“With respect to these important posts, we must secure them first because they are at the heart of our party’s legislative agenda,” Tayebwa said, adding that unity within the NRM caucus would be key to delivering on the government’s priorities.
As the speakership contest heats up, observers say internal caucus decisions, party endorsements and cross-party negotiations will shape the leadership landscape once the new Parliament gathers
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