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Questions have emerged regarding the procedural propriety of the recent endorsement by the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Hon. Anita Annet Among and Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as the party’s official candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement, reportedly made on 20 February 2026, has drawn scrutiny from some party members and observers who argue that the decision may not have fully complied with the provisions outlined in the NRM Parliamentary Caucus Rules of Procedure (2014), particularly Rule 9, which prescribes a structured internal democratic process for the selection of the Movement’s candidates for parliamentary leadership positions.
Under the rules, the process ordinarily begins with eligible Members of Parliament submitting formal expressions of interest to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission. These submissions are then expected to be reviewed by the Central Executive Committee before the NRM Parliamentary Caucus convenes to nominate and elect the party’s official candidates ahead of the first sitting of Parliament.
However, concerns have been raised that the CEC endorsement was issued before key procedural stages had been completed. Among the issues cited are the pending election and gazettement of Special Interest Group representatives to Parliament, the incomplete constitution of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, and the absence of formally submitted expressions of interest by prospective candidates. Observers also note that the caucus itself had not yet convened to undertake the nomination and election process as provided for under the party’s rules.
Attention has also been drawn to the role of the NRM Secretary General, widely regarded as the custodian of the party constitution and internal procedures. Critics argue that presiding over or issuing endorsements ahead of the established procedural framework risks creating perceptions that the party’s own rules may have been sidestepped.
Political analysts caution that such developments could have implications for the Movement’s institutional credibility, ideological consistency, and long-standing commitment to internal democracy as articulated in the party constitution and the historic Ten-Point Programme.
In response to the unfolding concerns, it has been confirmed that a petition challenging the endorsement process has been formally filed and is currently pending hearing. The petitioners are seeking clarification and review of the process to ensure compliance with the party’s constitutional guidelines and internal rules.
Those raising the concerns maintain that their position is guided by loyalty to the Movement’s founding principles rather than opposition to individuals. They argue that adherence to institutional procedures is essential to maintaining unity, transparency, and legitimacy within the party.
In that spirit, the concerned members have called upon H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairman of the National Resistance Movement, to provide guidance on the matter and consider a review of the process. They further urge reaffirmation of strict adherence to the party’s constitutional framework and internal democratic mechanisms.
Observers note that the outcome of the pending petition may provide important clarification on the interpretation and application of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus Rules of Procedure as the country prepares for the convening of the 12th Parliament.
