Tradition on Trial: Why Anita Among Should Complete Her Course — and Why Tayebwa’s Turn Must Be Respected

Uganda’s Parliament has grown not by accident, but through principle, order and continuity. One of the clearest unwritten conventions in the House is that the Deputy Speaker is groomed to assume leadership after the Speaker’s tenure. The deputy is not a spare tyre; the office is a crucible of preparation — a proving ground for full stewardship of the August House.

This principle may not be codified in statute, but it is etched in practice, history and institutional wisdom.

As the proverb wisely counsels, “A road that has safely carried many travelers should not be abandoned for a bush path.”

History Is Our Witness

Uganda’s parliamentary leadership has followed a steady and predictable transition pattern:

• When Edward Ssekandi served as Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga was his Deputy. At the end of his tenure, Kadaga rightfully ascended to the Speakership.

  Advertising

• When Rebecca Kadaga completed her term as Speaker, her Deputy, Jacob Oulanyah, took over the mantle of leadership.

• Today, Anita Among serves as Speaker of the 11th Parliament, deputised by Thomas Tayebwa.

The progression has consistently conveyed one powerful message: Experience matters. Continuity matters. Service is rewarded. 

A Dangerous Departure?

Emerging political whispers suggesting that Norbert Mao could be positioned as the next Speaker have stirred debate in political corridors. If such speculation were to materialise, it would raise critical institutional questions.

Would it mean that Rt. Hon. Anita Among is being prematurely edged out before completing a full cycle of leadership like her predecessors? Would it imply that the Deputy Speaker — after faithfully presiding over plenary sessions, mastering parliamentary procedure, and carrying the institutional weight of the House — can be bypassed?

If so, what message does this send to Ugandans? And what signal does it project to the world about institutional consistency in Uganda?

Another proverb reminds us: “When the ladder is removed, no one will wait to climb.”

If a Deputy Speaker can serve diligently yet be overlooked without compelling constitutional or ethical cause, the office itself risks being weakened. Future leaders may begin to question whether loyal service carries any assurance of fairness.

Parliament Is an Institution, Not a Surprise Arena

Parliament is not a playground of abrupt political turns. It is an institution of order, predictability and procedural integrity. When the drumbeat changes without warning, the dancers lose their step.

This debate should not be reduced to personalities or ambition. Ambition is natural in politics. But principle must stand taller than ambition. A system that has delivered stability should not be dismantled casually.

The tradition of succession has reinforced confidence in parliamentary leadership. It has ensured seamless transitions, minimised internal friction, and upheld respect for hierarchy within the House.

Let Tradition Stand

Uganda deserves consistency.
Uganda deserves institutional respect.
Uganda deserves fidelity to tested practice.

Let Rt. Hon. Anita Among complete her leadership trajectory without destabilising speculation. And when the appropriate constitutional time arrives, let the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, be accorded the opportunity history and precedent have consistently allowed.

For as wisdom teaches us, “A house that respects its foundation does not collapse in the rain.” 

#UgandaToday #PhoenixNewsFeeds #OperaNewsFeeds #UgandaPolitics #ParliamentWatch
#InstitutionalContinuity