The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, declaring that there is “no Speakership battle” within the ruling establishment.
In comments posted on his X platform, Gen. Muhoozi said the decision on the next Speaker had already been made and described Oboth-Oboth as the best minister in government over the last five years.
“There is no Speakership battle. Our God Jesus Christ won that battle a long time ago. We already have our new Speaker. Supported by UPDF,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote.
“We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). Men were born to lead. That’s the natural order of things,” he added.
The army chief further stated: “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!”
Gen. Muhoozi also commented on Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, describing him as “a very good man” and his “younger brother.”
“Hon. Tayebwa is a very good man. He is my younger brother. He has no problems. He is protected!” he posted.
The remarks come at a politically sensitive time following a recent shift in position by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political platform associated with Gen. Muhoozi.
In a statement dated May 12, 2026, and signed by the PLU General Secretary, David Kabanda, the organisation announced that it had withdrawn its earlier endorsement of Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The statement noted that the directive issued on March 11, 2026, had been “retracted and withdrawn with immediate effect.”
Gen. Muhoozi’s latest comments are expected to intensify political debate surrounding the leadership of the next Parliament, particularly within the ruling National Resistance Movement and allied political groups ahead of the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.
