PLU Shakes Up Parliament Leadership Race, Dumps Among for Oboth-Oboth

The political landscape in Uganda is experiencing a significant shift with the emergence of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) as a key player in the upcoming parliamentary leadership elections.

Last week, the PLU, a pressure group championing Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the country’s top leadership, announced the withdrawal of their support for Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa, the incumbent Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. This move comes just ahead of the May 25 election for the 12th Parliament’s leadership.

The PLU’s Secretary General, David Kabanda, formally rescinded a March directive that had urged PLU-aligned MPs-elect to support Among and Tayebwa. Kabanda stated that the decision was based on “fresh guidance” from PLU chairperson Gen. Kainerugaba.

Gen. Kainerugaba has since publicly endorsed outgoing State Minister for Defence, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, for the Speaker position. “He has been the best minister in our government for the past 5 years. I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026-2031),” Gen. Muhoozi posted on his social media.

This development followed a high-level State House meeting chaired by President Museveni, reportedly attended by Ms. Among and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. At a thanksgiving ceremony for Oboth-Oboth, Kabanda informed the MP that he was President Museveni’s preferred choice for Speaker, a statement met with applause from attending MPs-elect.

Experts suggest this move by PLU could signal a shift in power dynamics, potentially challenging the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) traditional decision-making processes. Political analysts note the increasing influence of the PLU, describing it as a “kingmaker” shaping institutional leadership.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased military and executive interference in the legislative arm of government, with some observers viewing the situation as a “de facto military takeover of the Legislature”. The transparency and independence of the upcoming Parliament are now under scrutiny.

The NRM has yet to issue a formal response to these developments. Attempts to get comments from NRM officials were unsuccessful by press time.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)