President Yoweri Museveni has summoned the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) for an urgent meeting scheduled for Friday, May 22, as the ruling party prepares to settle on its preferred candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The parliamentary elections for the two key leadership positions are set for Monday, May 25, making the CEC meeting a decisive moment in shaping the party’s strategy ahead of the vote.
The outcome is expected to heavily influence the NRM parliamentary caucus, which traditionally endorses official flag-bearers before the final vote on the floor of Parliament.
The meeting comes after a tense week in which outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among withdrew from the Speaker race, following high-profile anti-corruption raids on properties linked to her.
Her exit has further intensified behind-the-scenes lobbying and speculation over potential successors.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has called for restraint and patience, emphasizing that the party will only take a formal position after its internal organs have met.
He stressed that no individual is above the party’s decision-making structures.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount around Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who is being mentioned as a leading contender for the Speaker position.
Reports suggest he may be receiving backing from figures aligned with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), though Todwong has dismissed such claims, urging members to rely only on official party communication.
The CEC meeting is expected to provide clarity on the ruling party’s preferred leadership lineup ahead of one of the most consequential parliamentary votes of the new term.
By Francis Lubega
20th May 2026
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