Voting for the Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has concluded at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth emerging victorious in a decisive win.
According to the final tally announced, Oboth-Oboth secured 441 votes, while his closest challenger, Paul Mwiru of the National Unity Platform (NUP), managed 60 votes. Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao polled 15 votes. Out of 519 Members of Parliament who participated in the secret ballot, three ballots were declared spoilt.
Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, who presided over the election, formally declared Oboth-Oboth the duly elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament. He subsequently led him to take the oath of office, marking his official assumption of the top legislative position.
The election, held during a special sitting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, attracted intense political attention as MPs chose a leader to steer Parliament for the next five years. The contest featured three candidates: Oboth-Oboth, fronted by the ruling NRM; Mwiru, presented as the joint opposition candidate under the National Unity Platform; and Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party leader.
Oboth-Oboth’s candidature was formally presented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who highlighted his extensive parliamentary and public service experience, as well as strong backing from the NRM leadership and President Yoweri Museveni.
Mwiru, nominated by Katikamu South MP Hassan Kirumira Lukalidde and seconded by Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula, had campaigned on a reform agenda. His supporters emphasized transparency, stronger parliamentary oversight, reduced wasteful expenditure, and fair treatment of all legislators.
Mao, nominated by Tochi County MP Peter Okot and seconded by Aswa County MP Patrick Okello Onguti, was presented as a consensus-builder with a long political career spanning student leadership, local government, and national politics. His backers cited his experience in governance and inter-party dialogue as key strengths.
The election process was overseen by Chief Justice Zeija, with 370 MPs initially confirmed eligible to vote. He rejected an earlier attempt by Kyoga North MP Geoffrey Ocen to allow candidates to address the House before voting, citing parliamentary rules that prohibit campaigning once nominations are closed.
Zeija instead directed that the process proceed strictly under the rules, including verification of ballot materials by agents of the candidates and transparent counting procedures.
With the vote concluded, Oboth-Oboth now takes over leadership of the legislature, succeeding the outgoing Speaker as Parliament enters a new five-year term.
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