West Budama Central MP Jacob Oboth-Oboth has reportedly received endorsement from President Yoweri Museveni to become the next Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The revelation was made by Kasambya County MP David Kabanda during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Oboth-Oboth’s home in Kyungu, Mukono District.
Speaking before hundreds of guests, Kabanda said he had been sent by Gen Muhoozi, whom he described as the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), to officially deliver the message.
“I want to inform you, your family and the Members of Parliament who are here that you are going to be the next Speaker of the 12th Parliament. This message has come from my chairman of PLU, and he instructed me to inform you that it has been endorsed by His Excellency the President,” Kabanda said.
The statement comes amid growing political activity and speculation surrounding the race for Speaker ahead of the parliamentary election slated for May 25.
The developments also emerged alongside reports of security searches at the residences of outgoing Speaker Anita Among in Kololo and Kigo, further fueling debate over the leadership contest within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In his response, Oboth-Oboth appeared receptive to the endorsement, saying he would not reject the responsibility if entrusted with it.
“According to what I am hearing from speakers here, who am I to decline?” Oboth-Oboth said.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted more than 200 elected NRM and independent Members of Parliament, party supporters and senior officials.
Among the notable figures in attendance were NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Tanga Odoi, State Minister Haruna Kasolo, businessman David Echodu and former NRM deputy secretary general Rose Namayanja.
It remains uncertain whether outgoing Speaker Anita Among will contest for the position independently if she fails to secure the official endorsement of the ruling NRM party.
The race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has generated intense political debate with former Minister for Justice, Norbert Mao at first being in close contest against Among.
However, tables turned when in a meeting held at Entebbe, it was reported that Among was asked to withdraw from the race.
The PLU chairman, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently said his group had withdrawn endorsement earlier given to Among and said they would support any candidate that President Museveni chooses.
Later, Gen Muhoozi would endorse former defence minister, Oboth Oboth as the next speaker, leaving Among in the cold.
Among, who replaced the late Jacob Oulanyah in 2022, has faced mounting political pressure amid allegations of corruption, abuse of office and accusations linked to extravagant spending.
On Saturday, security led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate serached Among’s home in Nakasero, a leafy Kampala suburb for what many have described as evidence linking her to corruption.
Many political observers have interpreted this as weakening power on Among’s side.
At the same time, several senior NRM figures and legislators have reportedly been mobilizing support for Oboth Oboth and during his thanksgiving on Saturday, saveral MPs swore allegiance to him.
