The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Revolutionary Network has called for the endorsement of candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament to be made by the full NRM Parliamentary Caucus, rather than a small group of top party officials.
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of NRM, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, recently endorsed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively. The endorsement was made during a top CEC meeting held at State House on Tuesday evening and is expected to be communicated to the NRM parliamentary caucus ahead of voting day.
Among and Tayebwa, who were elected unopposed in the just-concluded parliamentary elections, are credited with leading significant mobilization efforts for President Museveni and the ruling party.
The decision, however, drew criticism from Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, who had expressed interest in contesting for the Speaker’s office.
According to Kazibwe Jamil, Chairperson of the NRM Revolutionary Network, the endorsement of the Speaker should not be confined to a small group of CEC leaders.
“The caucus, composed of all elected NRM MPs, represents the collective political mandate of the party in the House. It is logical and democratic that these MPs fully participate in the birth and endorsement of Speakership candidates. Empowering the caucus reinforces institutional cohesion and respects the mandate given to MPs by the electorate,” he said.
The youth movement also called for a national dialogue on adopting a Presidential Electoral College system, where Ugandans elect Members of Parliament, and the elected MPs form a college that chooses the President.
“Nationwide presidential campaigns have become some of the most expensive political undertakings, draining enormous resources in logistics, security, and mobilization. A parliamentary electoral model would reduce this burden, shift focus from populism to policy, and promote more structured, issue-based leadership competition,” Muyingo Chrysestom, the Chairperson for Mityana NRM Youth Council said.
Countries such as South Africa elect their President through Parliament, while India uses an Electoral College model. These systems have provided stability, cost efficiency, and institutional order values the NRM youth say Uganda must now prioritize.
The Revolutionary Network further urged deeper internal democracy within the party.
“We demand that the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Treasurer, and the NRM Electoral Commission leadership be elected by the party’s Delegates Conference, just like other national-level structures,” Mugisha Edigar, the Chairman for Sheema NRM youth Council said.
He said leadership that comes directly from delegates carries stronger legitimacy, greater accountability, and deeper grassroots ownership. A modern revolutionary movement cannot thrive on centralization; it must grow through participation, transparency, and trust in its structures,” Kazibwe said.
