General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has indicated that Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth is being positioned for the Speakership of the next Parliament, while suggesting that the Deputy Speaker role will be reserved for a female candidate in what he described as an internal leadership arrangement under consideration.
In remarks shared through his political communication channels, Muhoozi stated that the decision on the next Speaker had already been made within his camp, stressing that the position would go to a man.
“We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). Men were born to lead. That's the natural order of things,” he said, in comments that are likely to spark debate over gender representation in leadership.
He further indicated that consultations would be made with President Yoweri Museveni on the selection of a female Deputy Speaker, framing it as part of a long-standing political tradition.
“We shall propose to Mzee a suitable female candidate for Deputy Speaker. That is the tradition. ‘Women hold up half of the sky’ as Mao Zedong said. Musibegye,” he added.
The statement effectively points to a dual leadership arrangement being discussed in ruling political circles, with Oboth Oboth emerging as a central figure in the Speakership race following recent realignments within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group associated with Muhoozi.
The shift has also been linked to a reported withdrawal of support from incumbent Speaker Anita Among and her deputy
Thomas Tayebwa, as political dynamics around the 12th Parliament leadership continue to evolve ahead of the next electoral cycle.
On Tayebwa, Muhoozi offered a notably conciliatory tone, dismissing speculation of internal rifts or political vulnerability.
“Hon. Tayebwa is a very good man. He is my younger brother. He has no problems. He is protected,” he said, signalling that the current Deputy Speaker remains politically secure despite the emerging contest for parliamentary leadership positions.
The comments add a new layer to the ongoing Speakership succession debate, which has seen several high-profile politicians mentioned in behind-the-scenes consultations and political endorsements.
While the final decision will rest with Members of Parliament through a formal vote, the endorsements from key power centres are expected to significantly influence the race as political mobilisation intensifies.