Jacob Oboth Oboth Holds Thanksgiving Amidst Speaker Speculation

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth hosted a grand thanksgiving ceremony on Friday in Kyungu Village, Mukono District. The event saw a massive turnout of newly elected Members of Parliament from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), along with several ministers, senior UPDF officers, and NRM officials.

The ceremony’s high-profile nature was evident from the significant security deployment, surpassing that typically seen for a parliamentary thanksgiving. Roadblocks and thorough vehicle checks were in place miles before the venue, with access strictly limited to invited guests. Different tents were designated for various guest categories, including VVIPs, NRM legislators, clergy, and NRM Secretariat officials, while locals and other attendees occupied separate tents.

Notable attendees included PLU Secretary General Daudi Kabanda, Finance State Minister (MicroFinance) Haruna Kasolo, Education State Minister (Sports) Peter Ogwang, Works State Minister Musa Ecweru, and NEC Managing Director Maj Gen James Mugiira.

This event gains significance as it follows General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s endorsement of Oboth as the Patriotic League of Uganda’s (PLU) preferred candidate for the 12th Parliament Speakership. The PLU has openly withdrawn support for the current Speaker Annet Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, with Among reportedly under investigation for alleged graft.

However, Oboth himself stated after his parliamentary swearing-in that he was unaware of any endorsement for the Speaker position. Several other legislators have also declared their intentions to contest for the Speakership, including Ministers Norbert Mao and Persis Namuganza, alongside MPs Lydia Wanyoto, Odria, and Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki. Wanyoto was present at the thanksgiving ceremony.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mps-dignitaries-flock-oboth-oboth-thanksgiving-ceremony-5461800