Is Thomas Tayebwa The Chosen Next Speaker? Inside Plan On Why Tayebwa Has Been Spared As Anita Among Faces Corruption Exposure And Sanctions – Why He Has Refused To Defend His Boss Despite Spending Billions Too

Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa assumed the roles of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament two years ago, but their fortunes have since diverged dramatically.

While Among is embroiled in multiple corruption allegations, Tayebwa has maintained a relatively clean slate, positioning himself favorably within the political landscape.

Among’s tenure has been marred by numerous corruption scandals, including allegations of bribery and embezzlement. One of the most notable incidents involved allegations that in 2022, Parliament awarded Shs40 million to each lawmaker for passing a Shs618 billion supplementary budget. Dr. Twaha Kagabo, a Bukoto South MP, claimed that Speaker Among personally handed him the money, which she vehemently denied.

Despite her denials, reports surfaced that opposition lawmakers received the funds at the residences of Among and Tayebwa, while ruling NRM party members allegedly collected the money within the parliamentary precincts.

The Uganda Parliament Exhibition, an online campaign led by Makerere University lecturer Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and journalist-lawyer Agather Atuhaire, further exposed corruption within the House.

The campaign revealed that Speaker Among increased her per diem from $900 to $4,000, pocketed allowances for trips she never took, and withdrew substantial amounts of money for so-called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, many of which were in her home district of Bukedea.

In contrast, Tayebwa remained unscathed, prompting online users to question why he was not similarly scrutinized.Tayebwa has strategically positioned himself for the speakership amid allegations against Among. He has maintained a clean image and balanced his alliances within Parliament, avoiding entanglement in Among’s controversies.

This has led to speculation that he is the “Speaker-in-waiting.” President Museveni’s direction to anti-corruption agencies to investigate Among and others implicated in the scandals underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the political pressure Among faces.

Lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has taken the matter to the Anti-Corruption Court, accusing Among and other officials of fraudulently concealing illegal payments. Despite these challenges, Among and Tayebwa have publicly presented a united front, facilitating the passage of several bills.

Tayebwa’s political ambitions are not new, and his ability to navigate controversies without major repercussions has bolstered his standing.Thomas Tayebwa contested for the deputy speakership in 2021 but was appointed Chief Whip instead.

Following Oulanyah’s death, he criticized northern legislators for attempting to ring-fence the speakership, later apologizing for his comments after securing the deputy speakership.

While Thomas Tayebwa has avoided major scandals, he is not entirely without blemish, having been accused of assaulting Bonny Bukenya in 2020. The case was withdrawn after he apologized.

Critics argue that Tayebwa’s clean image is not entirely accurate, pointing out increased per diem and significant allowances and travel perks. Nonetheless, his ability to navigate controversies has bolstered his political standing.

As the political landscape evolves, Tayebwa’s strategic positioning and clean image suggest he may be poised to ascend to the speakership if circumstances align in his favor.Tayebwa’s strategic positioning and clean image have positioned him favorably for the speakership.

While critics have raised concerns about his integrity, his ability to navigate controversies without major repercussions has bolstered his political standing. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Tayebwa’s future in Ugandan politics looks promising.