West Budama Central Member of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth has been elected Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament after securing a decisive victory in a closely watched leadership contest held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The election took place during the inaugural sitting of the 12th Parliament, where newly sworn-in Members of Parliament gathered to elect the House’s top leadership for the next five years.
According to official results announced by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Oboth Oboth garnered 441 votes, comfortably defeating his challengers Paul Mwiru, who secured 60 votes, and Norbert Mao, who received 15 votes.
Following the announcement, Oboth Oboth was formally declared Speaker-elect of the 12th Parliament.
Jacob Oboth Oboth is the Member of Parliament for West Budama Central County in Tororo District and a senior member of National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Before his election as Speaker, he served in various government and parliamentary roles, including as State Minister for Defence. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a lawyer and legislator with extensive experience in parliamentary affairs and public administration.
His election places him at the helm of one of Uganda’s most influential constitutional institutions.
The election was conducted through a secret ballot, in accordance with Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
A total of hundreds of MPs participated in the vote, reflecting broad attendance during the first sitting of the new Parliament.
Official results announced by the Chief Justice showed:
Candidate
Party
Votes
Jacob Oboth Oboth
NRM
441
Paul Mwiru
NUP
60
Norbert Mao
DP
15
The results demonstrated overwhelming support for Oboth Oboth among members of the newly constituted House.
In his first remarks as Speaker-elect, Oboth Oboth emphasized that the office of Speaker should be viewed as a position of service rather than privilege.
“The Speaker’s chair is not a throne, it is a servant’s post. My role now is to work with you all to ensure that the voices of over 48 million Ugandans are represented and respected,” he said.
He also pledged to strengthen accountability within Parliament and tackle concerns about corruption.
“I pledge a corruption-free Parliament in the next five years. Accountability begins with us,” Oboth Oboth told lawmakers.
The remarks were widely interpreted as a commitment to rebuilding public confidence in Parliament at a time when governance and accountability issues have become central topics in national debate.
The Speaker of Parliament occupies one of Uganda’s highest constitutional offices and serves as the presiding officer of the legislature.
The Speaker’s responsibilities include chairing parliamentary sittings, interpreting parliamentary rules and procedures and maintaining order in the House.
The office plays a crucial role in shaping legislative priorities and overseeing debate on key national issues.
Oboth Oboth succeeds Anita Annet Among, who served as Speaker during the 11th Parliament.
Among recently announced that she would not seek re-election, citing consultations within the NRM and the need to maintain party unity.
Her departure paved the way for a new leadership contest that attracted candidates from both the ruling party and the opposition.
The election also comes as Parliament prepares to address major issues affecting Uganda, including economic development, healthcare, education, infrastructure expansion, public accountability, and regional security.
Following his election, Oboth Oboth is expected to be sworn into office and immediately assume responsibility for overseeing parliamentary business.
Members of Parliament are also expected to proceed with the election of the Deputy Speaker, completing the leadership structure of the 12th Parliament.
As Uganda begins a new parliamentary term, attention will now shift to how the new Speaker delivers on promises of accountability, effective representation, and institutional reform within the country’s legislature.
