Full List: 3 Enter Speakership Race as 16 Vie for Deputy Speaker Position

The race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament has taken shape after the closure of nominations, with three candidates expressing interest in the position of Speaker and 16 others seeking to become Deputy Speaker.

According to the list released by the NRM Electoral Commission, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the MP for West Budama Central, Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Woman MP for Masindi, and Alioni Yorke Odria, the MP for Aringa South, are the three candidates who have expressed interest in the Speakership.

The contest for Deputy Speaker is significantly more crowded, attracting 16 aspirants from across the country. Among them is incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North MP, who is seeking another term in office.

Tayebwa’s candidature comes despite earlier reports that he had already secured endorsement from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and other influential figures within the ruling party.

However, the nomination process has attracted a wide field of contenders, setting the stage for an intense internal selection process.

All 19 aspirants are expected to be vetted by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) tomorrow before the approved names are forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for consideration at State House Entebbe.

The final NRM flag bearers for Speaker and Deputy Speaker will emerge from the party processes before Parliament convenes on Monday to elect its new leadership.

Full List of Speaker Aspirants

1. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth – West Budama Central
   
2. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki – Woman MP, Masindi
   
3. Alioni Yorke Odria – Aringa South
   

Deputy Speaker Aspirants

1. Rose Obigah – Woman MP, Terego
   Catherine Lamwaka – Woman MP, Omoro
2. Thomas Tayebwa – Ruhinda North
3. Susan Nakawuki Nsambu – Mawokota South
4. Mary Kamuli Kuteesa – Mwenge South
5. Patrick Obura Ogwang – Oyam South
6. James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana – Kinkizi West
7. Dennis Namara – Buyaga West
8. Lydia Mutende Wanyoto – Woman MP, Mbale
9. Peace Tibyaze – Woman MP, Jinja
10. Steven Gashaija Shyaka – Entebbe Municipality
11. Jackson Kafuuzi – Kyaka South
    Everline Tete Chelangat – Woman MP, Bukwo
12. Hillary Lokwang – Ik County MP
    Edward Makmot Otto – Agago
13. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu – Rukungiri Municipality

Timeline

1. May 22–23: Expression of interest and nominations.
2. May 24, 9:00 a.m.: CEC vets aspirants.
3. May 24, 2:00 p.m.: NRM Parliamentary Caucus considers approved names.
4. May 25: Parliament elects the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.