NRM Caucus Endorses Oboth Oboth for Speaker, Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker

The ruling National Resistance Movement Parliamentary Caucus has unanimously endorsed Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, the MP for West Budama and outgoing Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

The caucus also endorsed Thomas Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North County MP and incumbent Deputy Speaker, for the position of Deputy Speaker.

The resolutions were announced by Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, during the first NRM Parliamentary Caucus meeting held at State House Entebbe.

Two aspirants for the Speaker position stepped down in favour of Oboth Oboth. They included Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Masindi District Woman MP, and Alioni Yorke Odria, the Aringa South MP.

Meanwhile, 15 contenders for the Deputy Speaker position also withdrew from the race following consultations with the NRM Central Executive Committee. They included Rose Obiga, Catherine Lamwaka, Suzan Nakawuuki, Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, Patrick Ogwang Obura, James Kaberuka, Dennis Namara, Lydia Wanyoto, Peace Tibyaze, Steven Shyaka Gasheija, Jackson Kafuuzi, Evelyn Chelangat, Hillary Lokwang, Edward Makmot and Henry Tumukunde.

Todwong urged all NRM members to rally behind the party flag bearers during the parliamentary elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker scheduled for tomorrow. He praised the credentials and experience of both candidates, saying they are well suited for the leadership roles.

The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, presided over the process in which the 372 NRM MPs present unanimously adopted the names approved by the party’s Central Executive Committee.

Addressing the caucus, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni advocated for a consensus-based approach in choosing leaders for critical parliamentary positions, arguing that it avoids divisive campaigns, excessive lobbying and unnecessary voting contests.

Museveni said consensus gives leaders an opportunity to assess candidates based on leadership qualities and ideological understanding. He also reminded MPs to remain disciplined and committed to serving their electorate in pursuit of development and socio-economic transformation.

The President further cautioned legislators against engaging in sectarian politics based on tribe, religion or gender chauvinism, warning that such tendencies are self-destructive and undermine national unity.

reported by Issa Kigongo