Bukono County MP-elect Persis Namuganza has declared that she remains firmly in the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament despite the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsing Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position and incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.
In a message shared on social media, Namuganza said she was contesting as an Independent candidate and vowed not to back down from the race.
“Despite standing as an Independent, the overwhelming support of my people and Mzee made me the winner. Today, I am informing my fellow MPs that I am firmly in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament,” she posted.
Her declaration comes amid dramatic twists in the contest for Parliament’s top leadership positions ahead of the May 25 elections.
On Friday, the NRM CEC meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth as the party’s preferred Speaker candidate and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker.
The development effectively pushed former Speaker Anita Among out of contention after weeks of intense political pressure and ongoing corruption-related investigations that have rocked Parliament and divided ruling party circles.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has since emerged among the notable figures openly expressing interest in the Speakership race, setting up what analysts say could become one of the most competitive parliamentary contests in recent years.
Namuganza, who has repeatedly criticised the outgoing parliamentary leadership, is positioning herself as an anti-corruption and reform candidate seeking support beyond official NRM structures.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament are expected to be elected when the new Parliament convenes next week.
