The Journey of Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
From a humble village in Mitooma to the Deputy Speaker’s chair – a story of resilience, education, and servant leadership.
Early Life & Childhood
Born: 10 November 1980 in Bitereko Village, Mitooma District, Western Uganda.
Parents: Daudi Bangirana and Abby Komuhangi – subsistence farmers.
Growing up in a remote rural setting with no electricity or clean water, Tayebwa walked over 5 kilometres daily to attend Kigarama Primary School. He often helped his parents on the farm before and after school. Despite the hardships, his grandmother, a devout Christian, instilled in him the value of education and integrity. He often recalls: “My grandmother would say, ‘A pen can take you where a hoe never will.’”
During his teenage years, he witnessed the challenges of poverty, lack of healthcare, and limited opportunities – experiences that later shaped his political agenda.
Education Journey
Primary School
Kigarama Primary School – 1988–1995
Top performer in his class, selected for PLE with distinction in Mathematics and English.
Secondary School
Kigarama Senior Secondary School (O‑Level) – 1996–1999
Ruyonza School (A‑Level) – 2000–2001
Head Prefect at Ruyonza; excelled in History, Economics, and Divinity.
University & Professional
Makerere University – BA in Social Sciences (2005)
Makerere University – Bachelor of Laws (LLB, 2012)
Harvard Law School – Certificate in Negotiation (2018)
ESAMI – MBA Fellow (2020–2022)
Early Career & Entrepreneurship
Communications & Media
After university, Tayebwa worked in the private sector, including roles in radio marketing and corporate communications. He later founded Cholmat Investments, a company dealing in transport, logistics, and cosmetics. His business acumen helped him fund his law degree.
Community Organising
Even before politics, Tayebwa was a community mobiliser – organising savings groups, advocating for better roads, and mediating local land disputes. These grassroots connections later became his political foundation.
Political Journey
2015: Tayebwa contested for the NRM primary for Ruhinda North County. Against more established candidates, he ran a grassroots campaign, visiting every village on a motorcycle. He won the primary and later the 2016 General Election, becoming MP at age 35.
2016–2021 (10th Parliament): Served on the National Economy and Natural Resources Committees. Earned a reputation as a hardworking, accessible legislator – often holding open constituency meetings every month.
2021: Re-elected with an increased margin. President Museveni appointed him Government Chief Whip – responsible for coordinating government business and ensuring party discipline. He modernised the whip system, introducing a digital attendance tracker and reducing absenteeism by 22%.
2022: Following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, Tayebwa was elected Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament on 25 March 2022. He was re-elected in May 2026 for the 12th Parliament with 89% of the vote.
International Leadership
President of OACPS Parliamentary Assembly (2025–present)
First Ugandan to hold this position. Co-Chairs the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Key diplomatic wins: €2 million for climate adaptation, Kampala conference hosting 35 nations, and launching a Youth Parliamentarians Network.
Continental Engagements
Member of the Pan-African Parliament (2023–present). Has spoken on debt relief, intra-African trade, and democratic governance at AU summits. Led election observation missions to Kenya (2022) and Tanzania (2025).
Community Development Work
Women’s Empowerment
Seed capital of UGX 80 million distributed to 52 women’s SACCOs. Over 2,400 women now access low‑interest loans. Quarterly accountability meetings held in the constituency.
Education Sponsorship
Personally sponsored 187 vulnerable students through secondary school. Built 23 classrooms in 5 primary schools. Renovated Kigarama Senior Secondary School laboratory.
Water & Health
Facilitated drilling of 14 boreholes and rehab of 3 gravity flow schemes. Advocated for UGX 220 million to upgrade Ruhinda Health Centre III – maternal deaths reduced by 55%.
Youth Digital Hub
Launched the Tayebwa Innovation Center (2025) – free computer training for 320+ youth, online freelancing courses, and internet access for students.
Family & Personal Life
Married: Anita Rukundo (since 14 February 2009)
Children: One son (born 2012)
Thomas Tayebwa is a devoted Christian (Anglican). He often credits his wife Anita for her support throughout his political career. In his free time, he enjoys reading biographies, listening to gospel music, and coaching youth football in his village. He is a patron of several local sports clubs and an advocate for mental health awareness among politicians.
Notable Quote: “My father never went to school, but he taught me the dignity of labour. My mother taught me to care for neighbours. My grandmother gave me faith. Everything I am is because of them.”
Leadership Philosophy
Vision
A transparent, accountable, and digitally transformed legislature that delivers tangible results for ordinary Ugandans.
Core Values
Integrity, servant leadership, youth empowerment, evidence-based policy, and community engagement.
Legacy Goal
“I want to be remembered as the Deputy Speaker who made Parliament accessible to every Ugandan – and as the MP who turned Ruhinda North into a model constituency.”
Learn More or Connect
Read his parliamentary speeches, constituency reports, or send a message to the office.