In a significant development shaping the leadership of Uganda’s newly elected 12th Parliament, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has thrown his weight behind Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker.

“On the issue of Deputy Speaker, after getting guidance from the Commander-in-Chief, all PLU MPs and PLU leaning MPs will support Rt. Honourable Thomas Tayebwa for that position. Congratulations Rt. Honourable,” Muhoozi wrote on his X account on Tuesday morning.

This endorsement comes after a period of intense political maneuvering and shifting alliances in the race for the top leadership positions in Parliament following the January 2026 general elections.

Gen. Muhoozi had earlier endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth as the preferred candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

This marked a notable shift, as the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) had previously withdrawn its earlier support for outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among.

Among would later withdraw from the race for re-election amid intense pressure, including security raids on properties linked to her, investigations into alleged corruption and illicit enrichment, and reports of restrictions on her movements.

Thomas Tayebwa, who served as Deputy Speaker in the 11th Parliament, appears to have navigated the political turbulence successfully.

Gen. Muhoozi has publicly described him as “a very good man” and “protected,” signaling continued high-level backing despite the earlier joint endorsement with Among being retracted.

Tayebwa is widely viewed as a loyal and capable legislator, with supporters praising his humility and alignment with key ideological and party structures.