By Ben Musanje
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially opened the internal race for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, unveiling a strict selection roadmap that bans campaigning, bribery, and any form of lobbying among aspirants.
The announcement was made at plot 10 Kyadondo road in Kampala by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, who outlined tight guidelines governing how Members of Parliament seeking the party’s endorsement will be processed ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for Monday, May 25.
Dr. Tanga said all eligible NRM MPs interested in contesting must formally express interest through written applications addressed to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, accompanied by a detailed CV. He explained that the process begins immediately (on Friday evening) and runs until 7:00 p.m. on the same day, before resuming the following morning (Saturday) from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
According to him, all applications will be compiled and submitted to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) for vetting before being forwarded to the NRM parliamentary caucus, which will meet at State House Entebbe to determine the party’s final flag bearers.
Dr. Tanga emphasized that the entire process must be conducted within a strict framework of discipline and transparency, warning aspirants against engaging in any form of campaigning.
He said candidates are not allowed to hold rallies, mobilize MPs, use media platforms to solicit support, or engage in any activities that could be interpreted as campaigning. Any aspirant found violating the directive, he warned, will be disqualified immediately.
“Any form of campaigning is strictly prohibited. If there is evidence of campaigning, that candidate will be disqualified,” Dr. Tanga said.
He further issued a strong warning against bribery, stressing that no candidate should offer money, gifts, or any inducements to influence support. He added that the expression of interest process does not require any payment.
“Bribery is forbidden. No one should pay any money at any stage of this process,” he said.
The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson also cautioned against the use of ineligible voters in the selection process, noting that only duly elected NRM Members of Parliament will participate in the caucus voting. He warned that any attempt to introduce non-eligible individuals into the process would attract disqualification.
Dr. Tanga further said aspirants must avoid spreading false information about competitors, including claims of withdrawal, illness, or disqualification without evidence. He said such conduct would also lead to sanctions.
He urged all participants to maintain discipline throughout the process and avoid disruptive behaviour such as heckling, shouting, or processions during party proceedings.
“We want order, discipline, and respect for the process. There will be no room for chaos or intimidation,” he said.
The guidelines come at a time when the party is restructuring its internal selection process following the withdrawal of former Speaker Anita Annet Among from the race. Her exit prompted the party to restart the nomination process to allow fresh expressions of interest under revised rules.
Dr. Tanga clarified that the NRM Electoral Commission is not endorsing any candidate at this stage, saying no applications had yet been received at the time of the briefing.
He also dismissed claims that the party had already settled on preferred candidates, describing such reports as speculation.
According to him, the process will move through several stages, beginning with expressions of interest, followed by CEC vetting, then caucus approval, before final endorsement of flag bearers.
Once the caucus concludes its work, the Secretary General Richard Todwong will communicate the party’s chosen candidates to Parliament ahead of the formal election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Dr. Tanga also addressed concerns about internal pressure groups (pointing to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda), saying movements operating within the party have no authority over the official selection process.
He insisted that the NRM remains united under its established structures and that only the formal organs of the party will determine the outcome of the race.
The Speaker of Parliament remains one of the most powerful political positions in Uganda, responsible for presiding over legislative business, maintaining order in the House, and guiding parliamentary governance.
With the new rules now in force, the NRM says it is determined to ensure a disciplined, transparent, and orderly process as it prepares to select its candidates ahead of the decisive parliamentary vote. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
