Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly endorsed outgoing Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker of Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, in remarks that have triggered renewed debate over succession politics within the ruling establishment.
The comments came shortly after a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and the current Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, held on Thursday.
While details of the State House meeting were not fully disclosed, it has intensified speculation about early positioning for parliamentary leadership ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a series of statements shared publicly, Gen. Muhoozi praised Oboth-Oboth’s record in government, describing him as a standout performer.
“He has been the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years. I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026–2031). God bless Hon. Oboth-Oboth!” he said.
Oboth-Oboth, who serves as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs and represents West Budama County South in Parliament, is a lawyer by profession with a background in public service and constitutional affairs.
He previously worked as a state attorney and rose through parliamentary ranks after entering elective politics in 2011.
Gen. Muhoozi further stated that a decision on the next Speaker had already been made within what he described as the leadership structure, adding that gender considerations were not part of the selection logic.
“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.
He also warned against resistance to the reported decision, stating, “Those who do not accept our decisions risk arrest!”
The remarks have drawn attention across political circles, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding succession in key constitutional offices and the role of internal party consensus within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).