Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has publicly congratulated Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa following their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, marking her first major public reaction to the leadership transition at the House.
In a brief statement shared after Monday’s heated but orderly vote at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Among praised the two leaders, expressing confidence in their ability to steer Parliament’s legislative agenda during the new term.
“I join my colleagues in congratulating Rt Hon Oboth Oboth and Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament. I have no doubt that your leadership will bolster the legislative agenda and promote outcomes that serve our nation's best interests. I sincerely wish you success in your service to our country,” Among stated.
The remarks come hours after Oboth-Oboth, a seasoned legislator and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, secured a commanding victory with 441 votes, defeating his closest challenger Paul Mwiru who garnered 60 votes, while Democratic Party leader Norbert Mao managed 15 votes.
Three ballots were declared spoilt in the tightly managed parliamentary process overseen by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija.
Thomas Tayebwa, meanwhile, retained his position as Deputy Speaker in a decisive win, further cementing continuity within the House leadership.
He reportedly secured 457 votes, comfortably defeating his challengers Asinansi Nyakato and Sarah Aguti.
Oboth-Oboth was nominated by Vice President Jessica Alupo and seconded by Minister Frank Tumwebaze, a signal of strong backing from the ruling establishment.
Following his swearing-in, he pledged to serve all MPs regardless of political affiliation and committed to strengthening transparency and parliamentary independence.
Tayebwa, in his acceptance remarks, emphasized unity and national priorities, calling on legislators to focus on issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, including poverty reduction and service delivery.
Among’s message is being interpreted as a measured endorsement of the new leadership, coming at a time of political consolidation within the House.
Her tone reflects continuity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has maintained a dominant position in parliamentary leadership structures.
The smooth transition at the top of Parliament signals a continued alignment between the executive and legislature, even as analysts watch how the new leadership will handle key policy debates in the coming sessions.