Kisanja No Sleep: Gen Muhoozi Endorses Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker of Parliament

By Peter Luzinda 

 

KAMPALA — Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, describing him as the “best minister” in government over the last five years.

 

Muhoozi, who serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and is also chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), made the endorsement in a message shared on Friday, signaling what observers see as an early intervention in the race for leadership of the incoming 12th Parliament.

 

“He has been the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years. I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026–2031). God bless Hon. Oboth-Oboth!” Muhoozi stated.

 

The endorsement places Oboth-Oboth, the current Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, at the centre of growing political discussions surrounding the future leadership of Parliament ahead of the next legislative term.

 

Muhoozi’s declaration comes amid increasing political realignments within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with several senior government figures expected to position themselves for top parliamentary offices following the conclusion of the current parliamentary cycle.

 

Political analysts say the public endorsement could influence debate within both Parliament and the broader ruling establishment, particularly because of Muhoozi’s growing political influence and national visibility.

 

Oboth-Oboth has served in several government and parliamentary roles over the years and has recently gained prominence through his stewardship of the Defence ministry and his engagements on regional security matters.

 

Although the minister has not officially declared interest in the Speakership, Muhoozi’s remarks are likely to intensify speculation about possible contenders for the powerful office currently occupied by Anita Among.

 

The Speakership race is expected to become one of the key political contests ahead of the full operationalization of the 12th Parliament.