Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth has been elected Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament after securing a decisive victory in a secret ballot, marking the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the House following months of political positioning and intense public interest in the country’s next parliamentary leadership.
Oboth Oboth won the Speakership with 441 votes, defeating Paul Mwiru who secured 60 votes and Norbert Mao who polled 15 votes, while three ballots were declared spoilt.
The election followed formal nominations overseen by Flavian Zeija, who announced closure of the nomination exercise after confirming that the required quorum of Members had been attained before directing that voting proceed in accordance with Rule 5(13) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
Oboth Oboth’s candidature was formally moved by Vice President Jessica Alupo under Article 82 of the Constitution and Rule 5(8) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
While presenting him as the preferred candidate, Alupo described Oboth Oboth as a seasoned legislator and legal professional with the experience and institutional understanding required to guide the 12th Parliament.
“Oboth is a diligent leader who has immeasurably participated in shaping the destiny of Uganda and served Uganda with dedication and patriotism. This endorsement reflects confidence in his ability to lead the 12th Parliament effectively,”Alupo said.
She pointed to his academic and professional credentials, noting that the West Budama Central legislator holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in the United States and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University. According to Alupo, Oboth’s grounding in constitutional governance, parliamentary procedure, legislative drafting and conflict resolution places him in a strong position to preside over the House.
The motion was seconded by Frank Tumwebaze, who praised Oboth’s leadership style and parliamentary experience.
“Those characteristics will enable him to easily command this august House. He will maintain order, facilitate debate, enforce Rules of Procedure, navigate governance issues and make firm and rational decisions,”Tumwebaze told Members.
Opposition parties also mounted a challenge for the position.
Hassan Kirumira nominated Paul Mwiru as the opposition-backed candidate, presenting him as a reform-minded leader committed to accountability, stronger oversight and prudent use of parliamentary resources.
Kirumira argued that under Mwiru’s leadership, Parliament would prioritise budget discipline and strengthen committee oversight while improving transparency in parliamentary operations.
Meanwhile, Peter Okot nominated Norbert Mao for the Speakership, citing his experience in public service and leadership within government as key attributes for the role.
Mao’s candidature added another layer of competition to the race, with supporters portraying him as a consensus builder capable of strengthening institutional governance and advancing pending parliamentary reforms.
Oboth Oboth’s election comes at a time of heightened public expectations about accountability and institutional renewal within Parliament.
Notably absent from the contest was outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among, whose tenure attracted sustained public scrutiny in recent months amid investigations and allegations related to corruption, expenditure and the management of parliamentary resources. The developments triggered widespread debate over transparency, governance standards and the conduct of public institutions.
Among consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that accusations directed at her and Parliament’s leadership were politically motivated and intended to damage the image of the institution. However, the investigations and public criticism became a major backdrop to discussions surrounding succession and leadership change ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.
With a commanding mandate from Members, Oboth Oboth now assumes office with expectations of strengthening parliamentary independence, restoring public confidence and steering the House through a new legislative term defined by oversight, lawmaking and governance reforms.
