The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer positions for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament has intensified after several ruling party legislators formally expressed interest in the influential parliamentary offices.
According to the NRM Electoral Commission, four candidates have entered the race for the Speakership, while 16 contenders are battling for the Deputy Speaker position ahead of internal party vetting and caucus elections.
The development follows a directive from the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), which authorized the opening of expressions of interest for NRM members seeking to contest for the top parliamentary leadership positions.
Addressing journalists after the close of the exercise, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi confirmed that the competition had attracted significant interest from lawmakers across different regions of the country.
Among those who officially expressed interest in the Speakership race are Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the Member of Parliament for West Budama Central, Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Woman MP for Masindi District, and Alioni Yorke Odria, the MP for Aringa South Constituency in Yumbe District.
Reports also indicated that Persis Namuganza attempted to join the race but faced eligibility questions because she is considered an NRM-leaning independent rather than an official NRM flagbearer in Parliament. Dr. Tanga Odoi said the matter would ultimately be handled by the party’s top leadership.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speakership race has attracted an unusually large field of candidates, including incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and several senior politicians, ministers, and regional representatives.
Other notable contenders for the Deputy Speaker slot include Lydia Wanyoto, Henry Tumukunde, Jackson Kafuuzi, Catherine Lamwaka, and Rose Obiga among others.
The internal contest comes at a politically significant moment as the ruling party seeks to shape the leadership of the incoming 12th Parliament following the 2026 general elections.
According to Dr. Tanga Odoi, all aspirants are expected to undergo vetting by the NRM Central Executive Committee before the final names are forwarded to the party’s parliamentary caucus for endorsement.
He noted that the CEC retains the authority to either shortlist candidates or allow all qualified aspirants to proceed to the caucus vote.
The NRM, which holds a dominant majority in Parliament, is widely expected to determine the eventual occupants of both offices once internal party processes are completed.
Political analysts say the race reflects growing internal competition within the ruling party as different factions and regional blocs position themselves for influence in the next Parliament.
The Speakership and Deputy Speakership positions remain among the most powerful offices in Uganda’s political system, overseeing parliamentary business, legislative debates, and interactions between Parliament and the Executive.