Muhoozi Endorses Oboth-Oboth for Speaker, Igniting Uganda Parliament Race

Key facts

• Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker of Parliament.
• The endorsement was made via posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning.
• The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Muhoozi, previously backed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa.
• PLU withdrew its endorsement of Among and Tayebwa earlier this week.
• The Speaker and Deputy Speaker election is scheduled for May 25, 2026.
• Reports of Speaker Anita Among acquiring a Rolls-Royce worth Shs3.4 billion have drawn public criticism.
• Jacob Oboth-Oboth stated he is unaware of the endorsement as he is not on social media.

A Public Endorsement Shifts Parliamentary Contest

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly declared his support for Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth as the next Speaker of Parliament. This dramatic endorsement, announced Friday morning through a series of posts on the social media platform X, escalates the intense competition for leadership of the 12th Parliament. The move signals a significant political realignment, potentially reshaping the dynamics of parliamentary power ahead of the upcoming election. Kainerugaba, who also chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), praised Oboth-Oboth as "the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years." He explicitly stated his intention to be "the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026-2031)," a clear declaration that has ignited widespread political debate and speculation. The timing of this endorsement is particularly noteworthy, occurring amidst days of speculation and following increasingly critical comments from Kainerugaba directed at the current parliamentary leadership. The intervention by the army chief, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, has thrust Oboth-Oboth into the forefront of the race for one of the nation's most powerful offices.

Patriotic League Reverses Stance Amidst Controversy

This public backing for Oboth-Oboth represents a stark reversal of the Patriotic League of Uganda's (PLU) earlier position. Just days prior, the PLU, through its Secretary General Daudi Kabanda, had officially directed PLU-leaning Members of Parliament-elect to support the incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. This alignment followed an endorsement of Among and Tayebwa by the National Resistance Movement's (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC). However, the PLU formally withdrew its support earlier this week, citing "guidance from Muhoozi." The movement then instructed its MPs to await direction from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Kainerugaba subsequently intensified the political pressure through a barrage of social media posts, widely interpreted within the ruling NRM as direct criticisms of Anita Among. Kainerugaba's social media activity included pointed remarks about extravagance, seemingly referencing the controversy surrounding acquisition of a Rolls-Royce valued at approximately Shs3.4 billion. He stated, "I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a rolls royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either," a sentiment that resonated with public sentiment amid economic pressures.

Oboth-Oboth Cites Ignorance of Endorsement

In a surprising turn, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the outgoing Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and Member of Parliament for West Budama Central, stated that he is unaware of Gen. Kainerugaba's endorsement. Speaking to journalists at Parliament, Oboth-Oboth explained that he does not actively engage with online political discussions. "I’m not aware of the Speaker endorsement," Oboth-Oboth told reporters. "I am not on social media, so I don’t know what has been said." His remarks followed Kainerugaba's posts on X, where the PLU leader and First Son had lauded Oboth-Oboth's ministerial performance. This cautious response from Oboth-Oboth is likely to fuel further speculation about the intricate behind-the-scenes negotiations occurring within the NRM and among influential political factions vying for control over the parliamentary leadership. While he has not explicitly declared his interest, his name has now been firmly placed in the national discourse following Kainerugaba's public declaration.

A Moral and Ideological Struggle

Gen. Kainerugaba framed the contest for Speaker as a moral and ideological battle against corruption and extravagance within Parliament. His remarks came amid significant public outcry over reports that Speaker Anita Among had acquired a Rolls-Royce, allegedly imported from Britain at a cost of around of the luxury vehicle circulated widely online, sparking criticism from a public grappling with rising living costs and economic hardship. While Among reportedly maintained that the vehicle was a gift, the issue became a focal point for public discontent. Kainerugaba appeared to directly address this controversy, emphasizing his own lack of engagement with such luxury despite his long association with President Museveni. He also called for a reduction in parliamentary expenditure, advocating for public resources to be redirected towards supporting struggling Ugandans. Furthermore, Kainerugaba signaled a preference for a male Speaker, remarks widely interpreted as targeting Anita Among's bid for a second term. "We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). That’s the natural order of things," he posted, a statement that has intensified the debate surrounding gender and leadership in parliamentary politics.

Oboth-Oboth's Political Trajectory

Jacob Oboth-Oboth, born April 13, 1971, is a lawyer and intellectual property expert affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He currently serves as the elected Member of Parliament for West Budama County South and was the outgoing State Minister for Defence in charge of General Duties. Over his parliamentary career, Oboth-Oboth has cultivated a strong reputation, particularly in legal and governance matters, chairing key committees such as the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. His journey into politics began after completing his law degree and working in various legal capacities, including as Deputy Attorney General for the Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution and a State Attorney in the Ministry of Justice. In 2007, he pursued a master's degree in election and cyber law at the University of Minnesota in the United States. Upon returning to Uganda in 2010, Oboth-Oboth entered active politics, leveraging international networks to attract development partners to his constituency. He was first elected to Parliament in 2011 as an Independent candidate, subsequently winning re-election in 2016, becoming the first politician in West Budama South to secure two consecutive terms since 1996. He had previously expressed interest in the speakership during the 11th Parliament before his appointment as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The Road to May 25th

The election for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Uganda's Parliament is scheduled for May 25, 2026. This date marks the first sitting of the 12th Parliament, a crucial juncture for the nation's legislative body. The contest is expected to draw a number of heavyweight contenders beyond Oboth-Oboth and Anita Among. Names that have been floated in political circles include Justice Minister Norbert Mao, Lydia Wanyoto, Persis Namuganza, Yorke Odria Alioni, and Dr. The current political maneuvering, amplified by social media's role in shaping public discourse, underscores the significance of this upcoming election. Gen. Kainerugaba's intervention, particularly his use of social media platforms like X to comment on political developments and endorse candidates, highlights the growing influence of digital communication in Uganda's political succession battles and parliamentary contests. His "MK Movement" and PLU structures have cultivated a substantial online following, enabling him to shape national debate and influence political outcomes.

The bottom line

• Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker of Parliament, a move that significantly alters the race.
• The endorsement comes after the Patriotic League of Uganda, led by Kainerugaba, withdrew its prior support for incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
• Controversy surrounding Speaker Among's acquisition of a Shs3.4 billion Rolls-Royce has fueled public criticism and appears to have influenced Kainerugaba's stance.
• Jacob Oboth-Oboth claims to be unaware of the endorsement, citing his lack of social media use.
• The election for the new Speaker is scheduled for May 25, 2026, with several prominent figures expected to contend for the position.
• Social media, particularly X, has become a critical platform for political endorsements and debate in Uganda, as demonstrated by Kainerugaba's actions.