Deputy Speaker Job: Basajjabalaba’s Son Iddi Basajja Vs Thomas Tayebwa – Will Newcomer Shake Incumbent?

Hajji Iddi Basajja, the newly elected MP for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, has thrown his hat into the ring for Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.

In a tweet, Basajja expressed gratitude to the people of Bushenyi-Ishaka for their trust and mandate. “Allow me extend my sincere gratitude to the people of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality for the trust and mandate you gave me on the 15th of January 2026, to elect me as your Member of Parliament, with humility, honesty, and commitment to national service,” he wrote.

He also officially announced his interest in the deputy speaker job, pledging to uphold national service, inclusivity, and constitutionalism.

“I hereby declare my candidature for the position of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda 2026-2031,” he added.

“I commit and pledge resolute, principled leadership anchored in inclusivity, constitutionalism, and the relentless pursuit of the aspirations of our people.”

This move has sparked interest, especially given Iddi Basajja’s family connections – his father, Hassan Basajjabalaba, is a prominent NRM leader in Bushenyi and wealthy businessman.

It should be remembered that King Ceasor Mulenga, Tayebwa’s friend, had challenged Basajjabalaba to an NRM CEC position, but pulled out in a deal brokered by the incumbent deputy speaker, as reported Here.

Interestingly, Tayebwa, the incumbent Deputy Speaker, hails from the same Greater Bushenyi area, representing Ruhinda North constituency in Mitooma District.

With Basajja’s bid, it’s likely to get heated as he goes up against the incumbent, who will be seeking re-election.

The stakes are high, and so are the finances. Sources indicate the Basajjabalaba family is prepared to finance Basajja’s campaign to send the incumbent packing, while Tayebwa’s years as Deputy Speaker have given him a considerable financial advantage.

Tayebwa has got the power of incumbency, while Basajja is the newcomer looking to shake things up. A political novice, Basajja is the underdog in the race, up against a champ.

It is also worth noting that there is no official confirmation on whether the ruling party NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has endorsed Tayebwa for the deputy speaker job in the 2026-2031 term.

Adding to Tayebwa’s advantage, Speaker Anita Among, also a CEC member, has previously hinted that Tayebwa might serve another term as deputy speaker before being elevated to the speakership. (See Details Here).

Tayebwa’s experience in parliamentary procedures and executive branch politics, having served as an MP and government chief whip, gives him a significant edge. Basajja, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to politics, with not-so-much experience for the top job.

Hajji Iddi Basajja’s bid for Deputy Speaker is shaping up to be a tough challenge against the incumbent Thomas Tayebwa. With Tayebwa’s experience, party backing, and financial muscle, it looks like a David vs Goliath scenario. But will Basajja’s fresh perspective and family connections be enough to shake things up?

You can read more on the profile of Thomas Tayebwa Here and There.