The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has withdrawn its endorsement of Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa in the race for leadership of the 12th Parliament, in a dramatic political shift that comes amid renewed scrutiny over Among’s lifestyle and spending.
In an official statement dated May 12, 2026, and signed by PLU General Secretary David Kabanda, the group announced that its earlier endorsement of Among and Tayebwa made on March 11, 2026, had been “retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.”
The statement said Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chairs the PLU, had directed members aligned to the group to instead wait for guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on candidates for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
“The members of PLU are hereby advised to await the guidance of H.E the President regarding the candidates to support for Speaker and Deputy Speaker,” the statement noted.
The move has intensified uncertainty surrounding the leadership race in the incoming Parliament and is being interpreted by political observers as a major realignment within the ruling establishment.
The PLU also emphasised discipline within its ranks, saying members are expected to “follow the command, instructions and guidance” of Gen. Muhoozi at all times.
The withdrawal of support comes at a politically sensitive moment for Speaker Among, who has recently faced criticism on social media over allegations of extravagant spending and alleged corruption.
The controversy escalated after social media user Remmy Bahati claimed that Among attended President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony wearing a designer outfit from luxury fashion house Oscar de la Renta worth approximately UGX 42.5 million.
According to posts shared online, the outfit allegedly consisted of a porcelain flower embroidered dress valued at USD 6,490 and a matching jacket priced at USD 4,990.
Opposition figure Winnie Byanyima weighed into the debate, posting on X: “This is corruption. No question about it.”
The allegations have fueled wider public discussion about public accountability, wealth accumulation by political leaders and government spending at a time when many Ugandans continue to face economic hardship.
Neither Speaker Among nor Deputy Speaker Tayebwa had publicly responded to the PLU decision by press time.
Political analysts say the decision by the Muhoozi-led PLU to defer to President Museveni’s preferred candidates signals growing efforts to consolidate political control ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.
The development now leaves both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker races wide open as attention shifts to whom President Museveni may endorse for the influential parliamentary positions.
