Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto Mutende has officially withdrawn from the race for Speaker of Parliament and entered the contest for Deputy Speaker, marking a strategic recalibration in the increasingly competitive leadership battles ahead of the 12th Parliament.
Strategic Withdrawal from Speaker Race
Wanyoto’s decision comes after weeks of political consultations within and outside the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where multiple candidates had expressed interest in the top legislative seat.
By stepping down from the Speakership race, Wanyoto effectively narrows the field in a contest that has attracted several high-profile politicians, while repositioning herself for what is now emerging as an equally intense competition for the Deputy Speaker role.
Her earlier bid had been anchored on institutional reform and parliamentary independence, but political calculations within party structures and emerging consensus-building efforts are understood to have influenced her revised strategy.
Entry into Deputy Speaker Contest
Following her withdrawal, Wanyoto has now joined the growing list of contenders for Deputy Speaker, a race that has rapidly gained momentum as alliances shift ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
She has previously publicly signalled interest in serving in a leadership capacity in the House, arguing that Parliament requires strong oversight leadership capable of balancing executive influence and legislative independence.
Her entry adds further weight to an already crowded field that includes several serving ministers and senior legislators.
Expanding Field of Contenders
The Deputy Speaker contest is shaping into a highly competitive race, with multiple figures positioning themselves for the role as internal party negotiations intensify.
Among those reportedly in the race are State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Lillian Aber, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Gomba West MP Robinah Rwakoojo, and Bukono County MP and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, who is also active in the broader parliamentary leadership contest.
The shifting candidacies reflect ongoing realignments within the NRM and broader parliamentary blocs, as stakeholders assess influence, loyalty structures, and strategic parliamentary control ahead of the next term.
Political Calculations Ahead of 12th Parliament
The Speakership and Deputy Speakership contests have become central to pre-parliament negotiations, with both positions seen as critical in shaping legislative priorities, oversight functions, and government-Parliament relations.
Wanyoto’s move is being interpreted within political circles as a tactical consolidation aimed at improving her chances in a more viable contest, rather than a retreat from leadership ambitions.
Outlook
With parliamentary leadership races still unfolding, further adjustments and withdrawals are expected as consultations continue within party organs and political blocs.
The Deputy Speaker race, now significantly expanded, is expected to be heavily influenced by internal party endorsements and final negotiations within the ruling NRM structures as the 12th Parliament takes shape.
