Former Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has urged Ugandans to remain patient for at least a week as political debate intensifies over the next Speaker of Parliament, insisting that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will ultimately determine the winner.
His remarks come in the wake of a high-profile endorsement by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who recently publicly backed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position of Speaker of the 12th Parliament (2026–2031), describing him as “the best Minister in our government for the past five years.”
Speaking to journalists at Parliament shortly after taking oath as Member of Parliament representing the elderly in Eastern Uganda, Opondo dismissed external endorsements as politically inconclusive.
He stressed that despite growing political activity and competing “formations” endorsing candidates, the final decision remains firmly within the NRM party structures.
“I want to tell Ugandans to be patient for another week. The next Speaker will come from NRM. It is the party that will determine who carries that position, not individual endorsements or groupings,” Opondo said.
His remarks appear to directly respond to the recent political momentum triggered by Gen. Muhoozi’s endorsement of Oboth-Oboth, which has added fresh tension to the succession race for the powerful parliamentary seat.
The endorsement also followed shifting positions within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which had earlier signalled support for Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa before later adjusting its position and aligning with internal party direction awaiting President Yoweri Museveni’s final input.
Opondo, a long-time NRM communicator and strategist, reiterated that parliamentary leadership positions are traditionally resolved through party consensus and internal negotiations rather than public campaigns or external pressure.
He added that speculation surrounding endorsements should not be mistaken for final party positions, noting that “serious decisions” within the ruling party are typically concluded close to formal nomination timelines.