NRM Power Shift: Susan Nakawuki Emerges Front-Runner For Deputy Speaker Position

By Frank Kamuntu 

A new wave of political debate is sweeping through the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) following reports from highly placed sources that lawyer and legislator Susan Nakawuki Nsambu has reportedly been fronted for the influential position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

According to insiders within the party’s top structures, Nakawuki is being considered to replace Thomas Tayebwa in a move that is already attracting significant discussion among party members, legislators and political observers.

Sources familiar with the ongoing consultations say the endorsement talks have intensified in recent weeks as the NRM strategizes on the leadership composition of the next Parliament. During a recent meeting reportedly hosted at Parliament by NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda Haruna Kasolo, several NRM legislators are said to have openly backed Nakawuki for the position.

Political insiders argue that Nakawuki’s growing influence within the ruling party, coupled with her legislative experience and legal background, has positioned her as one of the strongest contenders for the role.

Observers point to several factors that could work in her favor.

First, Nakawuki is said to enjoy broad support from the NRM Caucus in Buganda, including members associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), giving her significant regional and political backing within the party.

Secondly, analysts note that the emerging parliamentary leadership calculations appear to favor religious balancing. With reports indicating that Jacob Oboth-Oboth is being considered for the Speaker position and being Protestant, some within the party believe a Catholic deputy would help maintain institutional balance, a factor that strengthens Nakawuki’s chances.

Gender balance is also being cited as another major consideration. Political observers say that if Oboth-Oboth, a male politician from Eastern Uganda, takes the top parliamentary seat, party strategists may prefer a female deputy from Buganda to reflect regional and gender inclusivity within Parliament’s leadership.

Analysts further argue that elevating Nakawuki would be viewed as a political reward to Buganda, a region where the NRM has recently made noticeable electoral gains.

Beyond political calculations, supporters describe Nakawuki as a seasoned legislator with a strong academic and professional record. A graduate of Makerere University with a Bachelor of Laws degree obtained in 2008, she later pursued professional legal training at the Law Development Centre.

Nakawuki first entered Parliament in 2006 when she won the Bukoto East parliamentary seat on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket. During her time in Parliament, she served on key committees including the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, the Committee on Labour, Gender and Social Development, and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

She later served two terms in the East African Legislative Assembly, where she gained regional legislative experience through committees handling legal affairs, accounts, agriculture, tourism and natural resources.

Her supporters also credit her for maintaining a relatively clean public record throughout her years in politics and legal practice.

Nakawuki later contested for the Mawokota South parliamentary seat under the NRM banner in the 2021 general elections, further cementing her ties with the ruling party and expanding her political influence within central Uganda.

Although the NRM leadership has not yet officially communicated on the matter, sources indicate that discussions remain active behind closed doors as the party seeks to shape a leadership team capable of strengthening internal cohesion and managing parliamentary affairs effectively in the next term.

Political analysts say that if the reports are confirmed, Nakawuki’s rise to the Deputy Speaker position would mark a major political comeback and could significantly reshape the internal dynamics within both the NRM and Parliament ahead of the new parliamentary term. Stay tuned!