Africa-Press – Uganda. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has commended the people of Rukiga District for their continued support of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) especially during the recently concluded general presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking during the burial of the late Noreda Bangirana, mother of the State Minister of Health in charge of General Duties, Anifa Kawooya Bangirana at Nyaruziba Trading Centre, Kashabya Village, Rukiga District on Saturday, Tayebwa cautioned residents against engaging in divisive politics, urging them instead to embrace unity and development-oriented leadership that prioritises national interests over partisan differences.
“Politics of division do not help our people. What Ugandans need is leadership that unites them and focuses on development, stability, and service delivery,” he said.
Tayebwa also used the occasion to clarify the NRM’s position regarding the leadership of Parliament in the forthcoming 12th Parliament, stressing that the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are too critical to be entrusted to non-members of the ruling party.
“As the National Resistance Movement, we are going to support Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among for the position of Speaker in the 12th Parliament. She has made it clear that she is serving her last term, and I will also likely be serving my last term as Deputy Speaker,” he said.
Tayebwa dismissed calls by opposition figures to contest for the speakership, describing the idea of handing over such a key office to a non-NRM member as untenable.
“I have heard my brother Norbert Mao saying he wants to contest for Speaker. If he were leading the NRM, he would not make the mistake of giving the speakership to a non-member. That would be political suicide. It is non-negotiable,” he said.
While acknowledging the cooperation agreement between the NRM and the Democratic Party (DP), Tayebwa emphasised that matters of national importance must remain under the stewardship of fully-fledged NRM members.
“We appreciate the cooperation between DP and NRM; it is a value addition. But leadership of Parliament is a matter of national interest and must be handled by NRM members,” he said.
Tayebwa’s remarks follow recent statements by the President of the Democratic Party and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, who has expressed interest in contesting for the speakership.
Mao has argued that the DP–NRM cooperation agreement places him at an advantage, given the NRM’s majority in the incoming 12th Parliament.
Mao has disclosed that several Members of Parliament — including those outside the DP — have pledged support for his bid, citing his experience and leadership credentials. Some of his supporters have likened his leadership style to that of the late former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, whom they describe as conciliatory and unifying.
Mao has also revealed that he has begun consultations with President Museveni under the DP–NRM cooperation framework, stating that his bid is rooted in dialogue and consensus-building.
Echoing Tayebwa’s remarks, the Minister of State for Finance and Member of Parliament for Rubanda County East, Henry Musasizi, reaffirmed that government would adhere to the resolution of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsing Anita Among as Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker.
“We shall mobilise for both of you until you win. We have at least 370 NRM Members of Parliament, so there is no cause for concern. We shall do the job and elect you when the time comes,” he said.
Musasizi also paid tribute to Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, noting that he has worked closely with her for over 15 years, including five years in Parliament, and prayed for the eternal repose of
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, described Anifa Kawooya as steadfast, prayerful, and resilient, and called upon God to comfort her and her family especially given that the loss comes just months after the passing of Kawooya’s sister.
In his sermon, the Retired Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Katwesigye, praised God for granting the late Noreda Bangirana a long and fruitful life, noting that she passed away at the age of 99, just weeks shy of her planned 100th birthday celebrations scheduled for March 19, 2026.
“God does not make mistakes. It was His will that she departs at this time. And mathematically, when we round off, she lived to 100 years,” he said.
The ceremony was widely attended by senior government officials, politicians, clergy, and members of the community.
