Uganda’s Political Turmoil: PLU Withdraws Support for Speaker Among, Sparking Backlash and Uncertainty

Kampala, Uganda – May 13, 2026

Uganda’s political landscape is in flux as the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a key faction within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has formally withdrawn its endorsement of Anita Annet Among for re-election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament. The reversal, announced in a statement signed by PLU Secretary General Daudi Kabanda on May 12, 2026, marks a dramatic shift in the power dynamics ahead of parliamentary leadership elections later this month.

The PLU’s initial endorsement in March 2026 had aligned with the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), supporting Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. However, the organization now directs its members to back candidates aligned with President Yoweri Museveni’s position, signaling a realignment that has left Among’s supporters reeling.

— ### **Why the Sudden Reversal?** The withdrawal follows public remarks by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, PLU Chairman and son of President Museveni, who has increasingly positioned himself as a political force within the ruling establishment. Muhoozi’s recent social media commentary—including criticism of extravagant displays of wealth among political leaders—has fueled speculation about deeper divisions within the NRM ahead of the elections.

Key factors behind the shift:

• Loyalty to Museveni: The PLU’s new directive emphasizes allegiance to the president over previous NRM CEC recommendations, reflecting a broader trend of personalized power consolidation under Museveni’s 37-year rule.
• Muhoozi’s Influence: As a prominent military figure and Museveni’s son, Muhoozi’s political maneuvering has reshaped alliances, with the PLU’s reversal seen as a direct response to his growing authority.
• Internal NRM Fractures: The move underscores fluid alliances within the ruling party, where loyalty is increasingly tied to individual factions rather than institutional directives.

Daudi Kabanda, who authored both the original endorsement and the withdrawal notice, has become the focal point of criticism. Online backlash has branded him a “Judas” for abandoning Among, with supporters accusing the PLU of political inconsistency. Kabanda is scheduled to address the controversy at a press conference on May 13, 2026, though details of his defense remain unclear.

— ### **Among’s Supporters Remain Defiant** Despite the PLU’s withdrawal, Among’s camp insists she retains significant support within the NRM parliamentary caucus and the broader House. Social media messages and leaked internal communications suggest confidence that she will secure re-election, regardless of shifting endorsements.

“Anita Among will still become Speaker,” read one widely circulated message, reflecting the belief that her constitutional role and institutional backing outweigh the PLU’s tactical realignment.

The uncertainty stems from President Museveni’s recent remarks during party consultations, where he reportedly signaled a preference for continuity in parliamentary leadership—though his exact stance remains ambiguous. Meanwhile, Muhoozi’s assertive political messaging, including critiques of corruption and elite excess, has added to the volatility.

— ### **Broader Implications for Uganda’s Political Future** The PLU’s reversal is more than a procedural change—it reflects deeper power struggles within the NRM as Museveni’s presidency approaches its fifth decade. Key takeaways include:

1. The Rise of Factionalism: The NRM’s once-unified front is fracturing, with factions like the PLU now operating as independent political blocs within the ruling party. 2. Museveni’s Endgame: The president’s continued dominance hinges on controlling key institutions, including Parliament, through loyalist appointments. 3. Muhoozi’s Political Ambitions: His public interventions suggest a strategic realignment, positioning him as a potential successor or power broker within the regime. 4. Public Skepticism: The PLU’s flip-flop has eroded trust in institutional processes, with citizens and analysts questioning the transparency of Uganda’s political system.

As voting approaches, the outcome will hinge on whether Among can mobilize cross-party support or if the PLU’s shift signals a broader consolidation of power under Museveni’s inner circle.

— ### **What Happens Next?**

The next critical steps include:

• Daudi Kabanda’s Press Conference: Expected to clarify the PLU’s rationale and address accusations of betrayal.
• NRM CEC’s Response: Whether the central committee will reinstate or modify its earlier endorsement for Among.
• Parliamentary Voting (Late May 2026): The final test of Among’s support and the PLU’s influence.
• Muhoozi’s Next Moves: His role in the elections could define the NRM’s trajectory in the coming years.

For now, Uganda’s political class watches closely as the drama unfolds—another chapter in a story where loyalty, power, and survival remain the currency of governance.

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Key Takeaways

• The PLU’s withdrawal of support for Anita Among marks a major realignment in Uganda’s parliamentary leadership race.
• Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s influence is reshaping NRM politics, with the PLU’s shift seen as a response to his growing authority.
• Among’s supporters remain optimistic about her re-election, citing broad institutional backing.
• The episode highlights deepening factionalism within the NRM and President Museveni’s enduring control over key political appointments.
• Voting later this month will determine whether the PLU’s reversal changes the outcome or merely intensifies the power struggle.

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FAQs

1. Why did the PLU withdraw its support for Anita Among?

The PLU cited alignment with President Museveni’s position over its earlier NRM CEC-backed endorsement. Analysts link the move to Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s rising influence and a broader realignment within the ruling party.

2. Will Anita Among still become Speaker?

Her supporters believe she has sufficient backing within the NRM caucus and Parliament to secure re-election, despite the PLU’s withdrawal. The final outcome will depend on cross-party support and Museveni’s stance.

3. What is the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)?

The PLU is a political faction within the NRM, led by Muhoozi Kainerugaba. It operates as an independent bloc within the ruling party, often reflecting the interests of military and security elites close to President Museveni.

4. How does this affect Uganda’s political future?

The PLU’s reversal signals growing factionalism within the NRM, raising questions about institutional stability and Museveni’s succession plans. It also underscores the personalized nature of power in Uganda, where loyalty to individuals often outweighs party discipline.

5. What role does Muhoozi Kainerugaba play in this?

Muhoozi’s public interventions and political maneuvering have positioned him as a key power broker within the NRM. His criticism of corruption and elite excess suggests he is positioning himself as a reformist figure, potentially shaping the party’s future direction.

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This article is based on verified statements from the Patriotic League of Uganda and recent political developments in Uganda. For real-time updates, follow official NRM and parliamentary communications.