Bukono County Member of Parliament Persis Namuganza has formally declared her interest in contesting the position of Speaker of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, adding fresh momentum to an already competitive leadership race in the 12th Parliament.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Namuganza said she is seeking the Speakership to promote unity, transparency and inclusive leadership within Uganda’s legislature.
“With a heart full of gratitude and unwavering dedication to our beloved nation, I humbly express my interest in serving as Speaker of Parliament,” she said, outlining a vision centred on amplification of diverse voices and stronger parliamentary governance.
Namuganza, who represents Bukono County in Namutumba District and currently serves as State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, brings considerable legislative and political experience to the race. She is a seasoned lawmaker with deep involvement in parliamentary affairs and a track record of outspoken advocacy on governance issues.
Her declaration comes amid an intensifying race for the Speakership that already includes incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and Democratic Party President Norbert Mao, who is yet to formally declare interest. Namuganza’s entry adds a third contender to what had increasingly been viewed as a dual contest shaped by internal party dynamics and strategic bloc negotiations.
Namuganza recently obtained a law degree from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), credentials she says strengthen her capacity to preside over parliamentary business and interpret legislative procedure with legal depth, a factor likely to appeal to MPs emphasising technical competence alongside political clout.
Political Math Shifts
Political analysts say Namuganza’s formal entry into the Speakership race could reshape internal calculations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and across party lines. With the NRM commanding a decisive majority in Parliament, Speakership decisions have historically reflected caucus alignments and Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsements. However, Namuganza’s bid introduces a regional and governance-focused narrative that may resonate with legislators seeking a leader who blends parliamentary independence with political experience.
Her profile, combining executive government experience, legislative activism, and academic qualifications, offers an alternative to conventional factional candidacies. This could prompt realignments among MPs who view the Speakership not only as a reward for political loyalty but as a platform for strengthening legislative oversight and institutional integrity.
Moreover, Namuganza’s stature in Busoga could inject regional calculus into the contest, potentially influencing caucus negotiations and alliance-building ahead of the first sitting of the 12th Parliament. Given the evolving dynamics, observers expect the Speakership debate to remain a focal point of internal negotiations within and beyond the NRM as the 2026 transition nears.
Namuganza Factor
Persis Namuganza is no stranger to political turbulence. A long-serving MP for Bukono County and current State Minister for Lands, she has built a reputation as an outspoken and sometimes controversial figure within the NRM. Her political journey has included public disagreements with parliamentary leadership and party structures, episodes that have at times tested her standing within the ruling establishment.
Her recent re-election came courtesy of her candidature as an independent MP although she is a member of the ruling NRM party. Her decision to go independent follows what she described as an unfair priamary election that denied her the party flag.
Namuganza’s recent acquisition of a law degree adds a technical dimension to her credentials, potentially strengthening her case as a procedural authority capable of presiding over legislative business. Within Parliament, she is viewed as politically resilient, a figure who has survived internal disciplinary moments and maintained grassroots backing in eastern Uganda.
