Kampala, Uganda: The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party will officially determine its candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament during a Parliamentary Caucus meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 24, outgoing Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua has confirmed.
The development comes amid growing political speculation and intense lobbying ahead of the opening sitting of the 12th Parliament on May 25, where Members of Parliament will elect the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Obua clarified that despite widespread reports and endorsements circulating within political circles and on social media, the NRM had not yet formally adopted candidates for the two top parliamentary positions.
According to Obua, the ruling party is still following internal procedures provided under Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
“Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus has three critical phases or activities,” he explained.
“Number one is expression of interest for those interested to contest for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Number two, the Central Executive Committee under that rule should also meet to consider those who have expressed interest. Then, three, it culminates into the final approval and endorsement by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus,” Obua added.
Oboth, Tayebwa dominate speculation
Obua’s remarks come at a time when State Minister for Defence Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa are increasingly being viewed as frontrunners in the race following recent political developments within the ruling establishment.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), recently publicly endorsed Oboth-Oboth for Speaker and later backed Tayebwa to retain the Deputy Speaker position after consultations with President Museveni.
The endorsements intensified speculation that the ruling party had already settled on preferred candidates.
However, Obua insisted that no official party process had yet been concluded. “For now, I think we are still in the process of determining. There could be candidates that may appear favoured, but I cannot confidently say there is already a candidate adopted,” Obua said.
He further revealed that the NRM Electoral Commission had not yet formally opened the process for members interested in contesting.
“As of now, I do not think there is any Member of Parliament of the 12th Parliament who has formally expressed interest because it must come with a call for expression of interest from the Electoral Commission of the party,” he stated.
The race for the Speakership dramatically shifted in recent days after outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among officially withdrew from the contest following mounting political pressure, corruption investigations and growing fallout within sections of the ruling establishment.
Among announced her withdrawal on Sunday night, pledging support to candidates who would eventually be endorsed by President Museveni and the NRM party.
Her exit effectively reopened the race and accelerated internal consultations within the ruling party ahead of next week’s crucial parliamentary sitting.
Obua speaks on PLU influence
Obua also addressed the increasing role of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in the ongoing political debates, describing it as an internal pressure group operating within the broader NRM structure rather than an independent political party.
“PLU does not operate as a registered political party, implying it is a pressure group under NRM whose main objective, in my opinion, is to provide checks and balances internally,” Obua said.
The outgoing Chief Whip acknowledged that he is among the pioneer members of PLU and participated in several mobilisation activities in support of Gen Muhoozi before assuming heavier government responsibilities.
However, he maintained that PLU positions remain advisory and subject to the final authority of the NRM leadership under President Museveni.
“Whatever advisory decision that we take as PLU is again subjected to the final decision of the party we all belong to, registered under the laws of Uganda, for affirmation,” Obua explained.
The first sitting of the 12th Parliament is scheduled for Monday, May 25, where newly sworn-in legislators will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker before proceeding with other parliamentary business.
The race is shaping into one of the most closely watched parliamentary leadership contests in recent years amid shifting alliances, internal power struggles and heightened political mobilisation within the ruling party.
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