Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa has staged a dramatic political comeback after winning the race for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament with an overwhelming 457 votes, but his victory has already triggered fresh debate over corruption, power struggles and secret intelligence reports at the heart of government.Tayebwa, once believed to be among top officials marked for political elimination, somehow escaped from the gallows of the court of public opinion when he cruised to victory against opponents Sarah Aguti and Asinansi Nyakato, who managed only 14 and 45 votes respectively.
Second chance
The election cemented Tayebwa’s influence within the ruling establishment and handed him a second chance after weeks of speculation that both he and former Speaker Anita Annet Among were facing possible political isolation over allegations of corruption and extravagant living.Highly placed sources within political circles claim that last month, Tayebwa was quietly tipped off by allies linked to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) that President Yoweri Museveni had become increasingly uncomfortable with the growing influence of powerful figures in Parliament.According to insiders, intelligence reports allegedly submitted to the President accused Among of building a powerful political network capable of influencing future state decisions. The dossier reportedly claimed that some members within the Electoral Commission worked closely with parliamentary power brokers to ensure the election of MPs loyal to the Speaker’s camp during the last general elections.“A lot of money exchanged hands towards the election period. Most MPs who remained loyal to Among easily secured their seats,” a source familiar with the intelligence brief claimed.
Sources further allege that Tayebwa was advised by close associates to distance himself from the excesses associated with Parliament’s leadership before it was too late. Unlike some of his colleagues accused of displaying flashy lifestyles, Tayebwa reportedly maintained a more cautious public image, something insiders say helped him survive the political storm.Political analysts now believe Tayebwa’s ability to navigate the dangerous internal battles within the ruling establishment may have earned him another opportunity to remain at the centre of power.
Capitulation
During his acceptance remarks after the vote, Tayebwa appeared to acknowledge growing public anger directed at Parliament over corruption allegations and misuse of public resources.“There is where we went beyond,” Tayebwa admitted in comments that have since gone viral on social media and political talk shows across the country.The statement has been interpreted by critics as a rare confession from a senior parliamentary leader that the 11th Parliament had lost public trust because of corruption scandals and excessive spending. In another striking statement during his speech, Tayebwa openly admitted that Parliament requires serious internal reforms.“I know all the corners of the House. I know where we need to clean up. I know where we need to maintain the status quo,” Tayebwa declared shortly after his election victory.The remarks immediately sparked intense debate, with some interpreting them as a signal that the Deputy Speaker is aware of deep-rooted problems within Parliament and may now be under pressure to act.
Rebuilding confidence
In his speech, Tayebwa promised Ugandans that the new Parliament would focus on rebuilding confidence among citizens and restoring discipline in the management of public funds.“I want to assure Ugandans that we have heard your concerns. We must change the way we work and become more accountable to the people,” Tayebwa told legislators shortly after his victory.
However, his apology has divided opinion across the political divide, with critics arguing that saying sorry is not enough without accountability.Political commentator Robert Mugisha questioned whether public apologies can repair the damage caused by years of corruption allegations surrounding Parliament.“Tayebwa admitting that mistakes were made is significant, but many Ugandans are asking whether apologies alone are enough. People want to see consequences and real reforms,” Mugisha said.Others within opposition circles insist that Parliament’s image remains badly damaged despite Tayebwa’s promises of change.Supporters of the Deputy Speaker, however, argue that his willingness to publicly acknowledge mistakes demonstrates political maturity and could signal a fresh beginning for the institution.The nomination of Tayebwa was formally moved by Nebbi District Woman MP Phiona Nyamutoro and seconded by Buvuma Islands MP Robert Migadde.
Moments after the results were announced, supporters inside and outside Parliament erupted into celebration, with many PLU loyalists hailing the victory as proof that Tayebwa remains a trusted figure within the ruling movement despite recent controversies.“Our PLU diehard, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has been elected Deputy Speaker with 457 votes. Big congratulations TT,” one celebratory message from supporters read shortly after the announcement.The scale of Tayebwa’s victory also exposed the deep numerical weakness of the opposition within the House, with government-backed candidates once again dominating key parliamentary positions.Insiders say Tayebwa’s next challenge will be convincing ordinary Ugandans that the 12th Parliament can avoid the scandals that haunted its predecessor. Public frustration over allegations of lavish spending, service awards and unexplained expenditure severely damaged the image of the 11th Parliament, especially during a period when many citizens struggled with rising living costs.Now, with the instruments of power set to be officially handed over in a ceremony presided over by President Museveni, all eyes are on whether Tayebwa can truly deliver the reforms he is promising.For some Ugandans, his apology was a necessary first step. For others, it was simply political survival.But one thing is certain: the man many believed was politically finished has returned stronger than ever, armed with overwhelming support from MPs and a renewed promise to clean up Parliament from within.Whether that promise survives the harsh realities of Ugandan politics remains the billion-shilling question.
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