By Our Reporter
As speculation intensifies within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) over who should occupy the position of Deputy Speaker in the next Parliament, growing rumors suggesting that Thomas Tayebwa could once again be fronted for the position are already stirring discontent among sections of party loyalists and mobilizers across the country.
Many within the party believe that overlooking Lydia Wanyoto Mutende for the influential seat would not only be unfair, but also politically insensitive, especially considering her unmatched loyalty, service record, and relentless grassroots mobilization for President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM throughout the past year.
For most of 2025, Lydia Wanyoto traversed different regions of Uganda, mobilizing support for President Museveni and defending the achievements of the NRM government at a time when political temperatures were rising ahead of the forthcoming elections. From Eastern Uganda to Central, Northern and Western parts of the country, Wanyoto consistently stood firm as one of the most visible and vocal Museveni loyalists.
Her commitment to the party cause cannot simply be brushed aside.
Political observers argue that strategically deploying committed cadres has always been one of the foundational principles that strengthened the NRM over the years. It is therefore difficult to understand why a tested and proven mobilizer like Wanyoto would be ignored at a time when the party is expected to appreciate her efforts and hard work.
Even more importantly, there has always been an unwritten balancing tradition within Uganda’s parliamentary leadership where the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions reflect gender complementarity. Historically, when the Speaker is male, the Deputy Speaker is often female, and vice versa.
With reports already indicating that Jacob Oboth Oboth is being heavily considered and backed for the Speakership, many believe it would only be logical, politically mature, and institutionally balanced for the Deputy Speakership to go to a woman.
That woman should undoubtedly be Lydia Wanyoto.
To instead have Thomas Tayebwa deputizing Oboth Oboth would break a long-observed parliamentary balance that has symbolized inclusiveness and representation within Uganda’s legislative leadership.
Wanyoto’s pursuit of the Deputy Speakership did not begin yesterday. Sources within the party indicate that she has consistently expressed interest in the position since last year, long before current political realignments intensified. Her persistence demonstrates seriousness, vision, and preparedness for the office.
Beyond political loyalty, Lydia Wanyoto brings with her an exceptional resume that few in the ruling party can rival.
She is not only a lawyer and legislator, but also a seasoned diplomat with vast regional and international experience. Wanyoto previously served as the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2014, she briefly served as the Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia, a role that required strategic leadership, diplomacy, and continental trust.
Her educational credentials equally speak volumes. Born in Mbale, Wanyoto attended Fairway Primary School before proceeding to Gayaza High School and later Makerere High School. She graduated from Uganda Christian University with a Bachelor of Education in Languages and later earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution.
She subsequently obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, before pursuing two Master’s degrees at Makerere University, one in Human Rights Law and another in Gender and Women Studies.
Her leadership journey dates back to her university days when she actively participated in student politics and national service during the 1995 Constituent Assembly process.
In 2001, she was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), despite never having previously served in Uganda’s Parliament a testament to the confidence leaders already had in her capabilities and dedication.
Within the NRM structures, Wanyoto has also held critical party positions, including serving in the Women’s League, where she played a major role in strengthening women mobilization and ideological grounding within the movement.
She has further served on several national strategic bodies, including the Board of Directors of the National Planning Authority and committees linked to national security and development planning.
Now serving as the Woman MP for Mbale City, Wanyoto remains one of the few leaders in Uganda who combine legal expertise, diplomatic exposure, ideological consistency, party loyalty, and grassroots mobilization.
Those pushing for her endorsement argue that the NRM must avoid the mistake of sidelining cadres who sacrifice for the party during difficult political seasons only to reward individuals perceived as already politically comfortable.
At a time when the ruling party continues to emphasize discipline, loyalty, experience, and service, Lydia Wanyoto perfectly embodies all four.
If the NRM truly values commitment and institutional balance, then the Deputy Speakership should not become a job for political convenience. It should go to a tested patriot, mobilizer, diplomat, and loyal cadre who has paid her dues to both the party and the country.
That person is Lydia Wanyoto Mutende.