Momentum builds: NRM Speakership Race Gains Momentum as Leading Aspirants Oboth-Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa Emerge

As the race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament gathers momentum, several senior members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have officially expressed interest in contesting for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.Among the notable contenders is Jacob Oboth-Oboth, the Minister of Defence and veteran legislator, who submitted his expression of interest forms for the position of Speaker of Parliament at the NRM Electoral Commission offices.Oboth-Oboth, who has recently emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race to replace embattled Speaker Anita Annet Among, maintained a cautious tone after picking the nomination forms, saying it was too early to make promises to Ugandans and members of the ruling party.“I cannot make promises at this stage because we are still following the party roadmap and guidelines,” Oboth-Oboth said. “This process requires patience, consultation and respect for the party structures.”

Supporters of Oboth-Oboth led by Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda have described him as an experienced legislator with deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and government operations. Several NRM members who accompanied him to the party offices said his calm leadership style and long service in Parliament make him suitable for the Speaker’s role.“Hon. Oboth has served this country diligently and understands the workings of Parliament very well,” said Kabanda. “We believe he has the maturity and experience needed to guide the next Parliament.”At the same event, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also picked nomination forms, signaling his intention to contest for the top parliamentary seat. Tayebwa, who has served as Deputy Speaker since 2022, received a warm reception from supporters who praised his leadership, communication skills and ability to manage parliamentary business.His supporters described him as a youthful and energetic leader who has already demonstrated capacity while deputising Speaker Among.“Tayebwa has shown that he can unite members across political divides,” one supporter noted. “He understands parliamentary procedure and has the confidence of many MPs.”

Speaking briefly after submitting his forms, Tayebwa thanked party supporters for encouraging him to contest and pledged to follow the NRM electoral guidelines throughout the process.“This is a party process and we shall respect every stage as guided by the NRM Electoral Commission,” Tayebwa said.The contest for the Speaker position is expected to attract significant attention within the ruling party as senior politicians position themselves for leadership roles ahead of the 12th Parliament.Meanwhile, the race for Deputy Speaker of Parliament is beginning to take shape, with several legislators already expressing interest in the position.Among those who have picked nomination forms is Mawokota South Member of Parliament Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, who said she is ready to serve Parliament in a higher leadership role if entrusted by her party and fellow legislators

Also in the race is Rose Obiga, the Woman Member of Parliament for Terego District, who picked expression of interest forms for the position. She is regarded by supporters as a strong mobiliser with extensive grassroots experience.Catherine Lamwaka, the Woman Member of Parliament for Omoro District, has also picked nomination forms to contest for Deputy Speaker. Her supporters say she possesses the leadership credentials and parliamentary experience necessary for the role.Oyam County South MP Patrick Obura also picked expression of interest forms, saying his bid is partly driven by solidarity with the public, which he believes has lost confidence in Parliament.Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto has also expressed interest in the position after picking nomination forms.Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Woman MP for Masindi District, has been nominated for the Deputy Speaker position through the ongoing NRM nomination process.

Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, MP for Mwenge South, has also been nominated as the party’s internal selection process continues.Kyaka South MP Jackson Kafuuzi Karugaba submitted his expression of interest forms at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kyadondo, joining the race for Deputy Speaker.Jinja District Woman MP Peace Tibyaze has also been nominated as the party continues its internal vetting process for the position.The NRM Electoral Commission recently opened the process for interested party members to pick and return nomination forms as preparations intensify for the formation of the next Parliament following the 2026 general elections.Party officials have urged aspirants and their supporters to maintain discipline and avoid divisive campaigns during the internal electoral process.Political analysts say the race for Speaker and Deputy Speaker could shape the future direction of Parliament and influence internal dynamics within the ruling party.

The Speaker of Parliament is one of the most powerful positions in Uganda’s governance structure, responsible for presiding over parliamentary sittings, interpreting parliamentary rules and representing Parliament in national affairs.With more aspirants expected to join the race in the coming days, competition for the top parliamentary positions is likely to intensify as candidates seek support from NRM structures and Members of Parliament across the country. The NRM is expected to conduct internal consultations and endorsement processes before the final parliamentary leadership elections are held in the 12th Parliament.

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Jako David Waluluka: Mr. Jacko David Waluluka is another unique entertainment and general investigative news writer, a field he has diligently covered for over fifteen years. He’s also the Chief Administrator at The Investigator. He can easily be reached via [email protected]