Isn’t It Tayebwa’s Turn For Speakership?

Recent political shifts in Uganda’s Parliament have triggered a major realignment ahead of the 12th Parliament, marked by the decline of Speaker Anita Among’s expected re-election and the rising endorsement of Jacob Oboth-Oboth as her likely successor.

At the same time, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who appeared to have lost his position in the reshuffle, is now reportedly set to retain it.
These developments have revived the long-standing NRM political idea of a “queue”—an informal system of succession based on loyalty, seniority, and patience within the ruling establishment.

The concept, popularized after Amama Mbabazi’s 2001 criticism of Dr Kizza Besigye for “jumping the queue,” has since become a metaphor for how power is distributed and controlled within Uganda’s politics.

Historically, figures like Edward Ssekandi, Rebecca Kadaga, Jacob Oulanyah, and Anita Among appeared to follow a structured rise through parliamentary leadership roles.

However, current events suggest that this pattern is not fixed and can be reshaped by political interests and shifting power centres.

Among’s political troubles, including corruption investigations, weakened her position and opened space for Oboth-Oboth, who is seen as a loyal and trusted insider. His rise also reflects growing influence from new power networks, including Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda.

The apparent reshuffle, including discussions around retaining Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, shows that Uganda’s succession politics remain fluid. Ultimately, the “queue” is not a fixed order but a tool managed by those in power, where loyalty and political convenience often override seniority and expectation.