ENTEBBE, Uganda — Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus has unanimously endorsed Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, following a high-level meeting chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe.
The endorsement effectively settles weeks of internal consultations and political negotiations within the ruling party, coming in the wake of former Speaker Anita Annet Among’s withdrawal from the Speakership race amid mounting political pressure and ongoing investigations related to alleged corruption and wealth declaration.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the NRM confirmed the decision, saying:
“The NRM parliamentary caucus has unanimously elected Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, the MP for West Budama Central, and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, MP for Ruhinda North, as flagbearers for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament respectively.”
The party further noted that the caucus endorsement followed prior approval by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
“The caucus election took place after the two names were approved by the Party’s Central Executive Committee,” the statement added.
The meeting, which brought together newly elected NRM legislators and independent MPs aligned to the ruling party, was widely viewed as a decisive moment aimed at restoring cohesion within the party after days of uncertainty over parliamentary leadership.
President Museveni reportedly used the session to emphasise unity and discipline within the party ahead of Monday’s election of parliamentary leaders at the first sitting of the 12th Parliament at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Oboth-Oboth’s endorsement marks a significant political elevation for the West Budama Central MP, who currently serves as Defence Minister, positioning him as the ruling party’s preferred candidate for the Speakership.
Tayebwa, who has served as Deputy Speaker since 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, retains strong backing from the party establishment.
His endorsement comes amid additional support from Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Several other NRM legislators had expressed interest in the Deputy Speaker position, including Lilian Aber, Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, Edward Makmot Otto, Marshall Alenyo, and Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa.
Also Read: Uganda’s Speaker race is theatre: History suggests nothing will change
However, Sunday’s caucus decision effectively consolidates Tayebwa as the party’s official candidate heading into Monday 25th, May 2026 parliamentary vote.
The NRM confirmed that both Oboth and Tayebwa will face off against candidates from opposition parties during the formal election at Kololo.
“Oboth and Tayebwa will tomorrow tussle it out with candidates from other political parties during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds,” the party said.
The endorsement signals an effort by the ruling party leadership to stabilise Parliament’s leadership structure ahead of the new term, following a period of unusually heightened political manoeuvring within the NRM.
Historical pattern: Speakers and their political alignment
A review of Uganda’s parliamentary leadership over the past three decades reveals a striking consistency—not just in personnel, but in political alignment.
Speakers of Parliament (Since 1996 Constitution)
- Anita Annet Among (2022–present)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Rose from Deputy Speaker following the death of Jacob Oulanyah. Her tenure has faced scrutiny over governance, spending controversies, and perceived proximity to executive power. - Jacob Oulanyah (2021–2022)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM)
A seasoned legislator and lawyer whose short tenure was cut by his death in office. - Rebecca Kadaga (2011–2021)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM)
One of Uganda’s longest-serving Speakers. Occasionally projected institutional independence but ultimately remained within ruling party structures. - Edward Ssekandi (2001–2011)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Later became Vice President, reinforcing the close link between parliamentary leadership and executive hierarchy. - Francis Ayume (1998–2001)
Affiliation: Movement system (precursor to NRM dominance under no-party framework)
Served during Uganda’s transition from no-party to multiparty politics. - James Wapakhabulo (1996–1998)
Affiliation: Movement system
Oversaw early implementation of the 1995 Constitution.
Deputy Speakers of Parliament (Key Figures)
- Thomas Tayebwa (2022–present)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) - Anita Annet Among (2021–2022)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) - Jacob Oulanyah (2011–2021)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) - Rebecca Kadaga (2001–2011)
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) - Edward Ssekandi (1998–2001)
Affiliation: Movement system
