Uganda Ruling Party Endorses Candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker

The ruling party caucus endorsed Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa as candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament after a Sunday meeting at State House Entebbe. President Yoweri Museveni welcomed the endorsements. Oboth-Oboth represents West Budama South and previously served as Defence Minister.

Tayebwa is the outgoing Deputy Speaker and represents Ruhinda North. The endorsement followed the withdrawal of former Speaker Anita Annet Among from the race.

At least 18 MPs who had expressed interest in the positions stepped down before the caucus vote. The caucus adopted recommendations from the party's Central Executive Committee. Former aspirants including Persis Namuganza, Dennis Namara and Susan Nsambu posted messages on social media congratulating the endorsed candidates.

Some commentators have questioned why Tayebwa received endorsement while Among faced scrutiny over wealth accumulation. Ronald Amanyire, an interdicted Principal Road Safety Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, wrote on X that the differing treatment raises perceptions of selective accountability.

Venansius Baryamureeba has also commented on the leadership contest on X. Women's rights advocates had called for gender balance in the top parliamentary positions. The National Unity Platform has named Paul Mwiru as its candidate. The Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao, has been mentioned in connection with a possible bid under a 2022 cooperation agreement.

Monday's election at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will determine the presiding officers for the next five years.