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So, in the wake of Uganda’s 2026 parliamentary elections, the composition of the 12th parliament reflects both continuity and change.
Among the legislators now seated are several political heavyweights with strong records, diverse bases of support, and varied leadership trajectories.
Among the most prominent potential candidates for speaker are Anita Annet Among, Thomas Tayebwa and Norbert Mao— each with distinct strengths, liabilities, and structural realities that inform their prospects.
Below we examine the good, the bad, and the ugly of each figure’s candidacy for speaker, and why their capacity to secure that office in the next parliamentary leadership contest is impacted by political context, parliamentary arithmetic, and factional dynamics.
ANITA ANNET AMONG
The Good: Incumbent speaker.Among currently holds the speakership and has presided over the outgoing parliament, giving her practical mastery of procedure and national visibility.
Unopposed parliamentary status: She was re‐elected unopposed as MP, signaling strong support in her constituency and within the ruling party structures.
Institutional authority: Her role over recent years has given her familiarity with bureaucratic and legislative process — a key asset for a speaker.
The Bad: Perceived partisanship. Critics sometimes charge that her rulings are more aligned with the executive or ruling party agenda than independent stewardship.
Factional tensions: Her rise occasioned friction — notably in the NRM Central Committee contests — which could limit cross‐faction goodwill if the majority bloc considers alternatives.
THOMAS TAYEBWA
The Good: Deputy speaker. Tayebwa’s current role gives him direct experience with the mechanics of parliamentary leadership.
Unopposed MP‐elect: Like Among, Tayebwa’s unopposed return strengthens his political legitimacy and reflects trust within his political base.
Endorsed successor: Among’s public endorsement of Tayebwa as her preferred successor provides a powerful co‐sign along the leadership pipeline.
Majority support: As a key figure in the majority bloc’s leadership team, he is well‐placed to consolidate core support.
The Bad: Moderate national profile. Compared to some senior national politicians like Mao, Tayebwa’s national stature is narrower — concentrated in parliamentary circles rather than broader public politics.
NORBERT MAO
The Good: Legal and political depth. As minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and a long‐time political leader, Mao combines legislative insight with constitutional expertise.
Diverse appeal: He is respected beyond strict party lines and can potentially attract support from across blocs.
The Bad: Minority status. The speaker election is influenced by the numerical strength of the dominant party bloc; Mao’s alignment outside the core ruling majority reduces his structural advantage.
Executive linkages: His current ministerial role may tie him more to governance than to parliamentary autonomy, complicating his appeal to MPs seeking a distinctly neutral chair.
CONCLUSION
The next speaker is most likely to be Thomas Tayebwa, supported by continuity logic, majority alignment, and institutional preparedness.
Anita Among remains a powerful actor who could either extend her tenure or set the stage for Tayebwa’s leadership. Meanwhile, Norbert Mao represents important voices but structurally less probable speakership winners.
The author is an Advocate of the Courts of Judicature.
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