President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa following their election, while raising concerns about divisions reflected in the voting.
In a statement issued after the Monday vote, Museveni thanked Members of Parliament for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election. He said the process demonstrated Parliament’s role in choosing its leadership at the start of a new term.
He said the process demonstrated Parliament’s role in choosing its leadership at the start of a new term.
“I congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and thank the MPs for carrying out their mandate of voting, peacefully and transparently,” Museveni said.
Oboth-Oboth won the Speaker race with 441 votes, defeating Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, who secured 15 votes, alongside other candidates. Tayebwa was elected Deputy Speaker with 457 votes, maintaining his position in the House leadership.
The elections were held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds under a secret ballot, with all eligible MPs participating. The results reflected strong backing for candidates aligned to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
However, Museveni pointed to concerns within the broader political alignment, noting that NRM-backed candidates received more votes than the party’s official numbers in Parliament.
He also referenced Mao’s performance, suggesting it had an impact on the final vote distribution.
“The NRM candidates obtained more votes than the NRM members in the House, and I note the votes our ally Mao took away,” he said.
The President added that the issue would be addressed, emphasizing the need for unity in Parliament going forward.
“We shall address this because we want a united Parliament that serves our people better,” Museveni stated.
His remarks highlight early political undercurrents in the new Parliament, even as the leadership settles into office.
Attention is now expected to shift to how the House operates under its new leadership and whether internal differences within allied political groups will affect legislative business.
Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa are expected to lead proceedings in the 12th Parliament as it begins its work amid expectations of stability and coordination within the ruling side.