The National Resistance Movement, leaders from the Bugisu sub-region today rallied behind Lydia Wanyoto as the preferred candidate for Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The historic reconciliation and endorsement meeting took place in Maluku under the guidance of His Royal Highness Umukuka wa Bugisu, Sir Mike Mudoma, who brought together Hon. Lydia Wanyoto and Wepukhulu Biara — both of whom had shown interest in the position of Deputy Speaker.
The development follows the earlier declaration of Jacob Oboth Oboth as the favored candidate for the Speakership race, a position reportedly communicated by PLU Secretary General Hon. Kabanda on behalf of Muhoozi Kainerugaba and under the guidance of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the party processes expected on the 25th.
In a statesmanlike move that has won admiration across political circles, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto accepted to step away from the Speakership discussions and instead offered herself for the position of Deputy Speaker, citing the importance of gender balance, inclusiveness, and strengthening unity within the NRM Party.
With Hon. Biara Wepukhulu also interested in the same office, Umukuka Mike Mudoma intervened to ensure that the two leaders from the same region would not be divided by competition, reminding them that leadership is ultimately about serving the people and protecting the unity of both Bugisu and the ruling party.
Following the dialogue, Hon. Biara Wepukhulu made a bold and patriotic decision to officially step aside and endorse Lydia Wanyoto for the Deputy Speaker position, describing the move as a sacrifice for unity, harmony, and effective service delivery to the people.
The endorsement was formally announced today in Maluku, where Hon. Biara publicly declared support for Lydia Wanyoto, who was represented by her Personal Assistant, Mr. Waikaba Siraj, due to official commitments in Kampala.
Supporters and political observers have since hailed the decision as a major victory for unity politics and a strong signal that Lydia Wanyoto possesses the experience, loyalty, diplomatic strength, and national appeal needed to serve as Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Many within the NRM now believe that backing Lydia Wanyoto would not only strengthen gender representation at the highest level of Parliament, but would also reward a leader who has consistently demonstrated discipline, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the party and the country.
Today’s events in Maluku have sent one clear message across Uganda: when leaders choose dialogue over division and unity over personal ambition, the entire nation wins.