Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has escalated his involvement in the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, directing senior ruling party mobilisers to secure unanimous backing for Jacob Oboth-Oboth.
The directive signals a decisive shift within the ruling establishment as succession politics in Parliament intensifies.
In a statement, Muhoozi tasked National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda with ensuring that Members of Parliament fall in line behind Oboth-Oboth’s candidacy.
“We want a UNANIMOUS approval of Mzee’s decisions in parliament. SG Todwong and secretary general Daudi Kabanda must work on that,” Muhoozi stated, framing the push as part of a broader effort to consolidate political discipline within the ruling party ranks.
The directive comes in the wake of a high-level State House meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and Speaker Anita Among, which insiders say focused on the unfolding contest for parliamentary leadership.
While details of the meeting remain closely guarded, it has triggered renewed speculation about shifting alliances and the President’s preferred candidates.
Muhoozi’s latest move also follows a recent decision by the Patriotic League of Uganda to withdraw its earlier support for Among.
The group had initially backed both Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa but has since aligned itself with what it described as the President’s direction on the matter.
Oboth-Oboth, who has been serving as Defence Minister, has emerged as a central figure in the race, buoyed by Muhoozi’s public endorsement earlier this week.
The CDF described him as one of the most effective ministers in government, a statement that has elevated his profile within both Parliament and the ruling party.