The Chief Justice of Uganda, Dr. Flavian Zeija, has officially declared Oboth Oboth as the Speaker-elect of the 12th Parliament after a decisive victory in the parliamentary election.
Oboth Oboth, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate and Member of Parliament for West Budama Central County, secured 441 votes to defeat his rivals in the highly contested race held at Parliament.
His closest challenger, Mwiru Paul of the National Unity Platform, obtained 60 votes, while Norbert Mao garnered 15 votes.
The announcement by the Chief Justice was met with applause from NRM legislators and supporters who celebrated the outcome as a major victory for the ruling party in the new Parliament.
Speaking shortly after being declared Speaker-elect, Oboth Oboth pledged to uphold the independence and dignity of Parliament while ensuring fairness in the handling of parliamentary business. He also called for unity among legislators regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing the need to work together in addressing national issues.
The election attracted significant attention from both government and opposition camps, with Members of Parliament voting to determine who would preside over the affairs of the 12th Parliament. Security remained tight around Parliament throughout the exercise as legislators cast their votes.
Political analysts say the outcome further strengthens the NRM’s dominance in Parliament, giving the ruling party greater influence over legislative processes in the new term. Meanwhile, opposition leaders congratulated the winner while calling for inclusive leadership that respects differing political views within the House.
The election of the Speaker marks one of the first major activities of the 12th Parliament as newly elected legislators begin their term of office.