Is Speakership Race A Men’s Conference? Wanyoto Supporters Fume Venom, Demand Fairness & Gender Balance

By Swift Reporter

As the ruling National Resistance Movement intensifies internal consultations over the leadership of the 12th Parliament, a growing number of party supporters and mobilizers are urging President Yoweri Museveni to ensure fairness, gender balance and loyalty are given due consideration in the race for Deputy Speaker.

At the center of the debate is Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, whom NRM supporters say her long-standing commitment to the Party, extensive mobilization efforts and distinguished public service record make her one of the strongest candidates for the position.

The calls come amid growing speculation that current Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa could be endorsed to retain the post. Some party members argue that such a move would be difficult to justify at a time when the NRM is emphasizing accountability and renewal within its top ranks.

Leaders of the NRM women’s league have also questioned why women appear to be sidelined in the unfolding leadership arrangements. They note that former Speaker Anita Annet Among is facing multiple investigations, while other senior leaders mentioned in public discussions continue to be considered for leadership positions. They argue the party to be fair on how they easily came to a conclusion that Hon Tayebwa is clean from all the so called fraud in Parliament.

To them, the issue is not merely about personalities, but about consistency, fairness and ensuring that women who have remained steadfast in service to the party are not overlooked at the final stage.

“Why should a loyal and highly qualified female cadre be left on the sidelines after dedicating so much time and personal resources to mobilizing support for the President and the party?” asked by the nrm women league chairperson Buganda region.

Over the past year, Wanyoto has been among the most visible NRM campaigners, traversing the country to rally support for President Museveni and defend the achievements of the government ahead of the 2026 elections. Her supporters say she invested significant time, energy and resources in strengthening the party’s grassroots structures.

Beyond her mobilization efforts, Wanyoto brings a wealth of experience in law, diplomacy and regional leadership. She has served in the African Union, including as Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and, briefly, as head of the African Union Mission in Somalia.

She is also a former member of the East African Legislative Assembly and currently serves as Mbale City Woman MP.

Her academic credentials include degrees in education and law, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, and master’s degrees in Human Rights Law and Gender and Women Studies from Makerere University.

Supporters further argue that Uganda’s parliamentary leadership has often reflected gender balance, with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions complementing each other. With Jacob Oboth Oboth widely rumored as a leading contender for Speaker, they say the Deputy Speakership should naturally go to a woman.

“Lydia Wanyoto embodies loyalty, competence, experience and ideological consistency,” said another party supporter. “If the NRM wants to reward sacrifice and maintain institutional balance, she is the right choice.”

Party loyalists are now appealing directly to President Museveni to intervene and ensure that Wanyoto is strategically positioned within the next parliamentary leadership structure.

As consultations continue, the debate has become a broader conversation about how the NRM recognizes loyalty, promotes women in leadership and balances merit with political considerations.

For Wanyoto’s supporters, the message is clear: if the party is serious about fairness, inclusiveness and rewarding those who have served faithfully, then Lydia Wanyoto deserves a central role in the 12th Parliament.