All aspirants seeking the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament have withdrawn from the races in support of Jacob Oboth Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa.
The decision leaves Oboth Oboth, the West Budama Central MP and Defence minister, as the party’s preferred candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North MP in Mitooma and outgoing Deputy Speaker, now stands unopposed for the deputy speaker slot within the ruling party.
The withdrawals followed an internal expression of interest exercise launched by the NRM Electoral Commission on Friday, May 22, 2026.
A number of senior politicians had earlier shown interest in the two positions. Those who sought the Speaker position included Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, Yorke Odria Alioni, Persis Namuganza and Democratic Party president general Norbert Mao.
Mao had announced that he submitted his expression of interest directly to President Museveni instead of the NRM Electoral Commission offices.
The deputy speaker contest had attracted several contenders, among them Rose Obigah, Catherine Lamwaka, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, Patrick Obura Ogwang, James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana, Dennis Namara, Lydia Mutende Wanyoto, Peace Tibyaze, Steven Shyaka Gashaija, Jackson Kafuzi, Everline Tete Chelangat, Hillary Lokwang, Edward Makmot Otto and Gen Henry Tumukunde.
Gen Tumukunde, the Rukungiri Municipality MP, submitted his expression of interest on Saturday afternoon before later stepping aside.
The latest development positions Oboth Oboth and Tayebwa as the NRM consensus candidates ahead of a caucus meeting expected to endorse flag bearers for the two top parliamentary offices.
NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi earlier said the party would shortlist all nominees before forwarding names to the Central Executive Committee meeting at State House Entebbe.
The NRM holds the majority in Parliament, giving its endorsed candidates a strong advantage in the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
