After falling out with Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among over corruption allegations,Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has endorsed Defence State Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth for Speaker of Parliament as elections take effect on 25 May.
“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 posted alongside a photograph of the Defence Minister.
But will his words come to pass as the final person to endorse ugandas next Speaker of Parliament is President Yoweri Museveni and Central Executive Committee of Nrm.
Earlier this week, PLU formally withdrew their support for Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for speakership with immediate effect and instructed its MPs to support candidates eventually presented by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“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!” Muhoozi wrote on his X page.
“We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). Men were born to lead. That’s the natural order of things,” Muhoozi posted.
Now that Anita Among has been directed not participate in the next election will this leave room for chairman Mao to win the race as power broker.
The fallout between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and incumbent Speaker Anita Among certainly opens the field for Norbert Mao. However, while the withdrawal of Muhoozi’s endorsement weakens Among, it does not guarantee a victory for Mao
Norbert Mao serves as the Chairperson of the Summit for the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) in Uganda. As the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, his role involves chairing the IPOD summit, which brings together registered political parties to foster peaceful engagement and national reconciliation.
Where Mao Stands
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus has heavily signaled its intent to maintain control over parliament. Reports suggest the NRM may back Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker and Norbert Mao for Deputy Speaker.
Mao lacks a deep, independent backing within the NRM-dominated parliament. In Uganda, Speakership races are largely decided by party orders and broader State House directives rather than a free-for-all vote.
While the fractures in Among’s campaign give Mao a much louder voice and political momentum, securing the top Speaker seat remains an uphill battle. Mao faces heavy competition not only from Among, who is fighting hard to retain her seat, but also from Oboth-Oboth, who currently holds the military’s favor
