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By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement has officially settled on Jacob Oboth Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa as its preferred candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.
The decision was reached during a high-level meeting of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) held at State House Entebbe on Sunday and chaired by Yoweri Museveni.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the party’s top organ unanimously agreed to forward the two names to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for final endorsement before Monday’s parliamentary sitting.
Todwong described Oboth Oboth as a legally grounded and disciplined leader capable of steering parliamentary business with fairness and competence.
“He has demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and command of parliamentary procedure. His understanding of the law places him in a strong position to guide the House within the framework of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure,” Todwong said.
The party also cited Oboth Oboth’s loyalty to the NRM, his calm leadership style and ability to work across political divides as key factors behind his endorsement.
Oboth Oboth, who serves as the West Budama Central MP and has previously held several government legal portfolios, is viewed within the party as a relatively moderate and unifying figure capable of managing an increasingly diverse Parliament.
Party insiders say the NRM leadership was keen on choosing candidates perceived as less confrontational and capable of maintaining stability within the House amid growing political competition.
For the position of Deputy Speaker, the CEC retained incumbent Thomas Tayebwa, praising his performance, mobilisation abilities and connection with younger legislators.
According to Todwong, the party also considered institutional continuity and parliamentary tradition in backing Tayebwa for another term.
“The party believes in maintaining consistency in leadership where performance has been demonstrated. Tayebwa has shown energy, commitment and effective mobilisation skills which continue to strengthen the party both inside and outside Parliament,” he noted.
Tayebwa, the MP for Ruhinda North County, has served as Deputy Speaker since 2022 and has become one of the most visible figures in the current Parliament, often presiding over heated debates and key legislative sessions.
The endorsement comes after days of intense lobbying within the ruling party, with several MPs expressing interest in the powerful parliamentary positions.
Political observers say the NRM’s decision is aimed at avoiding internal divisions ahead of the official opening of the 12th Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to elect new parliamentary leadership under the supervision of the Chief Justice.
With the NRM holding a numerical advantage in Parliament, Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa are now widely viewed as frontrunners in Monday’s vote unless dramatic last-minute political shifts emerge.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is expected to shape the tone and direction of Uganda’s legislative agenda over the next five years, especially as Parliament prepares to handle major governance, economic and constitutional matters.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/just-in-nrms-cec-endorses-oboth-oboth-tayebwa-in-speakership-race/
