KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s race for Speaker of Parliament has taken a dramatic turn after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth, signalling a sharp shift within the country’s political power structure and exposing deepening divisions inside the ruling establishment.
The endorsement, delivered through a series of posts on X, marks a significant escalation in what had initially appeared to be a routine parliamentary leadership transition ahead of the 12th Parliament.
“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). God bless Hon. Oboth-Oboth!”
A sudden political realignment
The move represents a clear break from the earlier position of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political mobilisation platform associated with Gen Muhoozi, which had initially backed incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa following endorsement by the ruling party’s top organ.
That support has now been formally withdrawn.
In a subsequent directive, PLU instructed its aligned legislators to shift allegiance, indicating that future backing would align with guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to recalibrate political positioning at the highest level.
Social media as a political battlefield
Gen Muhoozi’s intervention has been notable not just for its content, but for its delivery.
Through a series of blunt and highly visible posts, he has transformed the Speakership race into a public political contest, framing it in ideological and moral terms.
“There is no Speakership battle. Our God Jesus Christ won that battle a long time ago. We already have our new Speaker. Supported by UPDF!”
In another post, he suggested the contest reflects deeper governance concerns:
“I risked my life for Uganda and I will never allow thieves to take it.”
The tone and frequency of the messaging have drawn attention to the growing role of digital platforms in shaping political narratives in Uganda, particularly among younger political actors and supporters.
The Rolls Royce controversy
The political tension has been amplified by public debate surrounding reports that Among acquired a Rolls Royce said to be worth billions of shillings.
While the Speaker has maintained that the vehicle was a gift, the issue has triggered widespread discussion, particularly against the backdrop of economic pressure facing ordinary Ugandans.
Gen Muhoozi appeared to reference the controversy directly:
“I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a Rolls Royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either.”
The remarks have resonated with sections of the public, where concerns over inequality and government spending remain sensitive topics.
Power, gender and messaging
In one of his most controversial statements, Gen Muhoozi appeared to signal a preferred direction for the leadership contest:
“We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). Men were born to lead. That’s the natural order of things.”
The comment has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about gender representation, while supporters interpret it as a political signal rather than a literal exclusion.
Tayebwa’s uncertain position
Despite the sharp shift against Among, Gen Muhoozi adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Deputy Speaker Tayebwa:
“Hon. Tayebwa is a very good man. He is my younger brother. He has no problems. He is protected!”
The distinction has fuelled speculation that Tayebwa could remain influential in a reconfigured leadership arrangement, or emerge as a compromise candidate in a highly fluid contest.
A broader power struggle
Analysts say the developments point to a deeper contest within Uganda’s political system, one that extends beyond Parliament itself.
Gen Muhoozi’s dual role as military chief and political mobiliser through PLU has increasingly positioned him as a central figure in shaping internal dynamics within the ruling structure.
The endorsement of Oboth-Oboth, a key figure within government and security circles, reinforces the perception of a tightening link between political leadership and security influence.
At the same time, the unfolding events highlight the complexity of Uganda’s power architecture, where formal institutions intersect with informal networks of influence.
What is at stake
The Speaker of Parliament holds significant institutional power, overseeing legislative processes, shaping debate, and influencing the relationship between Parliament and the executive.
The upcoming election, expected after the completion of MPs’ swearing-in, is therefore more than a procedural exercise, it is a test of alignment within the ruling establishment.
Also Read: Uganda’s Speaker race is theatre: History suggests nothing will change
Speaking earlier this week, Among defended her record:
“This Parliament has been a very good Parliament. We have done a lot, a lot of work. And I can tell you, it is one of the most remarkable Parliaments that we have had in the history of Parliaments.”
For observers, the Speakership contest offers insight into Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
It reflects:
- The growing influence of new political actors
- The role of social media in elite political communication
- Emerging tensions within established power structures
With Uganda’s 12th Parliament scheduled to elect Speaker, and deputy Speaker on May 25, the outcome will not only determine parliamentary leadership but also signal the direction of internal power dynamics ahead of future political transitions.
