A youth group aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement under the National Resistance Network has questioned the legality of the party’s endorsement of Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa as Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the 12th Parliament.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the group argued that the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) made the decision before the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for the 12th Parliament was fully constituted.
Edgar Stuart Mugisha, a youth leader from Sheema District and NRN member, said the move risks contradicting the party’s own principles by bypassing internal procedures.
“I am reminded of the words that President Museveni spoke on January 12, 1987, in a law seminar here in Kampala, where he opposed a situation where justice is a preserve of the privileged few,” Mugisha said.
He added that the endorsement did not follow the NRM Rules of Procedure governing the Parliamentary Caucus. “There are still issues with the gazetting of some Members of Parliament, and none of them has been sworn in. The 11th Parliament is still in effect, so how does CEC endorse when the NRM Parliamentary Caucus is not yet fully gazetted?” he questioned.
The group previously petitioned President Museveni but received no response, prompting them to file a petition in the High Court challenging the endorsement process.
“Unless the judiciary has failed, that petition will bring them to their knees,” Mugisha said.
Another youth leader, Ivan Mwijukye, highlighted that the NRM Parliamentary Caucus should consist only of sworn-in members of Parliament, a step that has not yet occurred. He said the endorsement raises legal, political, and moral questions within the party.
Julie Nakabugo, another member of the group, called on Ugandan youths to support the initiative aimed at safeguarding internal democracy within the NRM, urging them to participate in constructive party processes.
Peter Kivumbi, also a youth activist, accused the CEC of ignoring proper procedures and called for corrective action to ensure fairness.
The youth group insists the matter will ultimately be resolved through the courts as they seek to defend what they describe as the core democratic principles of the party.
