Kampala, Uganda | The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has dismissed criticism from some members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) who have questioned his loyalty to the party, saying his 15-year membership demonstrates his commitment.
Tayebwa made the remarks during a media interview after hosting a reconciliatory meeting with top leaders from Mubende district at his home in Kampala. The meeting aimed at addressing internal disagreements that emerged during the recently concluded general elections.
Responding to claims that he only recently crossed from the opposition to the NRM, Tayebwa explained that he joined the party in 2010 and has remained a committed member ever since.
He said he has consistently delivered electoral victories for the ruling party in Ruhinda North constituency. According to Tayebwa, he was elected unopposed in 2016, secured over 90 percent of the vote in 2021 and was again returned unopposed in the 2026 elections.
Using a marriage analogy, Tayebwa said it was unreasonable for some party members to continue referring to him as a “mugole” (new bride) after 15 years in the party. He argued that such characterisation would be similar to a man calling his wife a “mugole” even after many years of marriage, adding that critics seemed to expect him to “divorce” the party before recognising his longevity in NRM.
The Deputy Speaker also cautioned Members of Parliament aspiring for positions such as Speaker and Deputy Speaker against being influenced by opinions circulating on social media.
He said some politicians believe they can gain popularity in Parliament by attacking the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and members of the First Family, which he noted might attract praise online but does not amount to responsible leadership.
According to Tayebwa, running Parliament based on sentiments expressed on social media would undermine the seriousness of legislative work.
Tayebwa also defended the manner in which he has presided over parliamentary debates, saying the decisions he takes are guided by the need to facilitate government business and serve the interests of Ugandans.
While acknowledging that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker must remain neutral when chairing proceedings, he said leaders elected under party sponsorship cannot completely detach themselves from the political parties that support them.
He explained that when making decisions while presiding over the House, he considers whether those decisions facilitate government programmes or cripple government business. He added that when government operations are obstructed in Parliament, the ultimate victims are ordinary citizens rather than government leaders.
Tayebwa therefore urged NRM legislators to respect and follow the party’s official positions, noting that the ruling party and Parliament offer numerous leadership opportunities for members.
He further cautioned MPs against turning Parliament into an avenue for insulting the President, whom he described as the fountain of honour, adding that respecting the office strengthens national institutions and promotes unity in the country.
