Politics 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Speaker Aspirants Campaign Stealthily at NRM Kyankwanzi Retreat
Aspirants vying for Speaker of the 12th Parliament are reportedly canvassing support covertly during the NRM's nine-day retreat at Kyankwanzi, despite party denials and rules against such activities. Lawmakers describe nighttime dormitory visits and side meetings, while some candidates deny involvement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/aspirants-for-speaker-send-mixed-cues-on-campaigns-5421700
The NRM party’s retreat for over 400 newly elected MPs at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi has allegedly become a hub for Speaker aspirants seeking votes. Attendees report candidates and their agents moving between dormitories at night and holding discreet meetings during breaks to rally support.
The event, themed around advancing Uganda to higher middle-income status, began last Tuesday and ends Wednesday. NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo noted no formal complaints but acknowledged human nature might lead to such behavior.
President Museveni recently opened the race by calling for further debate on the prior CEC endorsement of incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Thomas Tayebwa. Among faces challengers like NRM’s Allioni Yorke Odria, Lydia Wanyoto, Dr. Florence Akiiki Asiimwe, DP’s Norbert Mao, and independent Persis Namuganza.
Legislators anonymously described flocks of hopefuls wooing them post-campfire or en route to dorms, with hints of incentives offered. Sources mention small group sidelined gatherings, though Daily Monitor couldn’t independently confirm.
Constitutional Article 82 mandates secret ballot election by MPs at the first sitting, overseen by the Chief Justice. Parliament rules prohibit public campaigning, with violations risking Code of Conduct penalties.
Mao and Odria denied campaigning, vowing to report rule-breakers and even hinting at court action with evidence. Asiimwe plans mobilization but insists it’s rule-compliant. Parliament’s Chris Obore clarified Among left for a family funeral, ruling her out of nighttime activities. Wanyoto and Namuganza were unreachable for comment.