Thomas Tayebwa has been elected Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament following a vote held at Kololo Independence Grounds on Monday.
The Ruhinda North County MP defeated Asinansi Nyakato, the opposition-backed candidate, to retain the position he previously held in the 11th Parliament.
Tayebwa secured an overwhelming majority of 457 votes , while Nyakato garnered 45 votes and Sarah Aguti got 14 votes in third position.
Nyakato had been fronted by the opposition as its preferred candidate for the Deputy Speaker position.
Tayebwa served as Deputy Speaker in the 11th Parliament under embattled former Speaker Anita Annet Among.
On Sunday, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the party caucus sitting in Entebbe endorsed Tayebwa to continue serving as Deputy Speaker.
The party explained that the decision was partly guided by precedent, arguing that previous Deputy Speakers have often served two consecutive terms.
NRM leaders also cited Tayebwa’s mobilisation skills, experience and youthful leadership as some of the reasons behind his endorsement.
Tayebwa will now deputise Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who was earlier elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
