Senior Presidential Advisor and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said he will consult President Yoweri Museveni before taking a position on the ongoing Speakership debate, describing corruption as Uganda’s most pressing challenge.
Responding to questions about the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament and other top legislative positions, Muhoozi stated:
“As for Speaker and all the other positions you are asking me about, I shall consult Mzee and get back to you. The biggest problem in Uganda right now is corruption. That’s the enemy that needs to be defeated.”
His remarks come as the Speakership contest widens, with several high-profile figures formally declaring interest. Incumbent Speaker Anita Among is seeking to retain her seat, while Democratic Party President Norbert Mao has publicly signalled interest in the position.
Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto recently officially declared her bid, joining State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, who has also thrown her hat into the ring.
By publicly signalling that he will consult President Museveni — whom he referred to as “Mzee” — Muhoozi reinforced perceptions that final decisions on high-stakes political offices often align with broader strategic considerations at the highest levels of the Movement.
Political Significance
Analysts say the statement is notable for two reasons. First, it underscores the continued centrality of President Museveni in internal power alignment discussions ahead of the 12th Parliament. Second, Muhoozi’s framing of corruption as “the enemy that needs to be defeated” shifts attention from personality contests to governance priorities — a message that could resonate amid growing public concern over accountability and public expenditure.
While Muhoozi did not explicitly endorse or oppose any candidate, his comments suggest that the Speakership debate remains fluid and subject to high-level consultation rather than being purely determined by public declarations.
As the parliamentary leadership race gathers momentum, attention will now turn to whether his consultations produce a formal position — and how that stance might influence the evolving political calculus within the NRM’s commanding majority.
