Fresh cracks are emerging within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after Bulambuli County MP-elect Emmanuel Wapukhulu Biara openly challenged the party’s endorsement of Thomas Tayebwa for the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament. (2026 – 2031)
Biara has announced his intention to contest independently, pushing back against a decision by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), which on 28 January 2026 endorsed Speaker Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa ahead of the 12th Parliament. The party leadership said the move was meant to guarantee stability in the next Parliament.
However, Biara insists the endorsement violates NRM’s 2015 caucus rules, which require interested candidates to formally express interest and allow open competition within the party.
According to the outspoken MP-elect, the CEC decision undermines internal democracy and contradicts one of NRM’s long-standing principles competitive intra-party elections.
“If the NRM CEC, as rumored, has endorsed Hon. Tayebwa for the Deputy Speakership, let them know that Emmanuel will run as an independent,” Biara said while appearing on NTV Uganda.
Sources close to Biara reveal that his decision was encouraged by a regional cultural leader, and while his bid is partly aimed at gaining parliamentary leadership experience, it has already ignited debate within party ranks.
Political observers warn that Biara’s defiance could signal growing regional dissatisfaction within NRM, a development that may strain party unity as the May 2026 parliamentary leadership elections draw closer.
With tempers rising and lines being drawn, the battle for the Deputy Speaker’s seat is shaping up to be far more contested than the party leadership had anticipated
