President Museveni Endorses Oboth Oboth for Parliament Speaker

President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly thrown his weight behind Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth, commonly referred to as Oboth Oboth, to become the next Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. The announcement was made by Daudi Kabanda, the Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), during a thanksgiving ceremony for Oboth Oboth held in Kyungu Village, Mukono District.

Kabanda informed the attendees, which included over 200 Members of Parliament, ministers, and security officers, that the President’s endorsement was a direct instruction. “I want to inform you and your family and the Members of Parliament who are here that you are going to be the next speaker of the 12th Parliament. And before you sit, this message has come from the Chairman of PLU, and he has instructed me to inform you that it has been endorsed by His Excellency the President of Uganda,” Kabanda stated.

Many newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament were present at the ceremony. Kabanda appealed to the party’s Central Executive Committee and MPs to unanimously support Oboth Oboth when his name is presented. He highlighted Oboth Oboth’s loyalty and patience, noting that he had previously stepped down from contesting the speakership in 2021 at President Museveni’s request.

Oboth Oboth, who recently bid farewell to his colleagues at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, expressed his humility in accepting the potential new role. He also spoke about the issue of corruption, attributing many of the country’s problems to greed and dissatisfaction.

Several members of the NRM’s Central Executive Committee, including its Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, were in attendance and pledged their support. Meanwhile, incumbent Speaker Anita Among is reportedly facing scrutiny, with reports of her home being searched over allegations of money laundering and self-enrichment. Several legislators have publicly declared their intention to contest against her for the Speaker position.

The election for the Speaker of the 12th Parliament is scheduled for May 25, 2026. This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.