Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament-elect Lydia Wanyoto Mutende has said her focus in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament is anchored on delivering on the ruling party's agenda and ensuring Parliament contributes meaningfully to national development.
Speaking to Canary Mugume during Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio on Saturday, Wanyoto, a staunch member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), said she is determined to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the upcoming Parliament.
"We have a very ambitious manifesto to deliver. My mind is set on how best we can deliver to Uganda so it's not business as usual," she said.
Wanyoto further emphasized that her priority is ensuring Parliament effectively supports the government's development agenda while strengthening the party's internal deliberations on leadership.
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"I want to make a mark because I've been voted into the 12th Parliament," she said.
While acknowledging ongoing discussions about the leadership of the 12th August House, Wanyoto said she would ultimately abide by the party's position regarding the speakership contest.
"I'll take what the party decides, but what's important to me is I'll make a contribution in the NRM caucus because they've told us the conversation in the speakership race will happen," she said.
"I've served the NRM for 32 years, not just as a mobilizer but as a leader and as a worker and professional."
Recently, President Museveni, who also serves as Chairman of the NRM, endorsed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa for retention as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The endorsement followed resolutions adopted during the eighth meeting of the fifth Central Executive Committee (CEC) held on February 20, 2026.
The resolutions were signed by Museveni and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, confirming the party's intention to front Among and Tayebwa as its official candidates for the top parliamentary positions.
Party officials said the names will be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for formal adoption as flag bearers when the 12th Parliament convenes.
The early endorsement comes as several Members of Parliament -- from both the ruling party and the opposition -- signal interest in the leadership of the next Parliament.
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Among those who have declared interest is Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao
who recently confirmed his bid for Speaker after completing what he described as nationwide consultations.
Mao stands amongst at least six figures who have expressed interest in leading the 12th Parliament.
Apart from Mao and Wanyoto, other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament Florence Asiimwe Akiiki; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County -- all affiliated with the NRM.
The Speakership race has emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests of the year, with parties and MPs positioning themselves ahead of the first sitting of the newly constituted legislature.
