Kampala, Uganda: National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Jacob Marksons Oboth has been elected Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament after securing a commanding 441 votes in Tuesday’s parliamentary election held at Parliament in Kampala.
Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija officially declared Oboth Speaker-elect after he overwhelmingly defeated opposition-backed Paul Mwiru, who garnered 60 votes, while Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao polled 15 votes.
Following his declaration, Oboth immediately took the oath of office before officially receiving the instruments of power from President Yoweri Museveni during a colourful ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial grounds.
The election marked the formal opening of Uganda’s 12th Parliament and effectively cemented the NRM’s dominance in the House following the ruling party’s strong parliamentary majority.
President Museveni who personally presided over the formal handover of instruments of power to the newly elected Speaker shortly after the swearing-in ceremony.
Oboth’s Rise to Parliament Leadership
Oboth, a lawyer by profession and long-serving legislator for West Budama Central, has previously served in several key parliamentary and government roles including State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
His legal background and parliamentary experience were heavily cited by the NRM leadership during the endorsement process.
CEC described him as a “unifying figure” capable of steering parliamentary business effectively at a time when Uganda faces heightened political, economic and legislative demands.
Tuesday’s victory now places Oboth at the helm of the country’s legislative arm for the next five years, succeeding outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among whose tenure ended amid intense political turbulence and corruption-related controversy.
Attention is now expected to shift to the election of the Deputy Speaker, the first task of Speaker Oboth who will oversee the process as the 12th Parliament kicks off it’s activities.
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