RWAKOOJO DEFIES MK IN DEPUTY SPEAKER WAR, Vows: “I’m Not Stepping Down!” After Tayebwa Endorsement Signals
Kampala is boiling with fresh political drama after Gomba West MP Robinah Rwakoojo defiantly refused to quit the race for Deputy Speaker despite growing signals that Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has the backing of powerful forces within the ruling establishment.
The battle for control of Uganda’s explosive 12th Parliament has now turned into a full-blown political war following the dramatic fall of former Speaker Anita Among, who stepped down as corruption investigations tightened around her camp.
While many expected Tayebwa to smoothly reclaim the Deputy Speaker seat, the race has instead taken a shocking twist after Rwakoojo officially entered the contest — and vowed not to be intimidated by endorsements flying around State House corridors.
The biggest signal yet came from Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) boss and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who appeared to warm up to Tayebwa’s return as Deputy Speaker.
But Rwakoojo is refusing to blink.
In a telephone interview with Red Pepper, the tough-talking legislator confirmed she is fully in the race and ready for battle.
“I remain fully committed to the guidance and final decision of the NRM party leadership on this matter. As a loyal member of the ruling party, I will support whichever direction is taken in the interest of unity and effective service delivery,” she declared.
Behind the scenes, political temperatures are rising fast.
Sources say many Ugandans believe Tayebwa should not easily escape the political storm surrounding the outgoing leadership of Parliament, with critics arguing that those who worked closely with Among should also face scrutiny.
That growing public pressure has now given fresh momentum to alternative candidates like Rwakoojo — a seasoned lawyer and veteran legislator now being quietly marketed as the “clean and disciplined” option.
And she comes heavily loaded.
Rwakoojo previously served as Vice Chairperson and later Chairperson of Parliament’s powerful Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee during the 10th and 11th Parliaments.
She also chaired the explosive Select Committee that investigated sexual violence in institutions of learning and served as Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities.
Political analysts now say her entry could completely shake up the Deputy Speaker race.
A respected Advocate of the Courts of Judicature, Rwakoojo built a formidable reputation during her more than 20 years in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where she climbed the ranks to become Acting Director of Civil Litigation before diving into elective politics.
Insiders say her deep understanding of parliamentary rules, constitutional law, and legislative procedure makes her one of the most technically prepared contenders so far.
“She possesses the legal knowledge, calmness, and determination needed to guide Parliament effectively,” one supporter told this publication.
Her allies are also banking on regional politics.
Coming from Gomba in Buganda, observers say Rwakoojo could benefit from growing pressure for political balancing in the next government arrangement — especially at a time when the ruling party is carefully calculating regional interests ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.
Known for her calm but firm leadership style, Rwakoojo is described by allies as disciplined, focused, God-fearing, and unshaken under pressure.
Now her bold refusal to step aside has thrown the Deputy Speaker race wide open.
The development comes just days after PLU endorsed West Budama North East MP Jacob Oboth Oboth for Speaker.
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