Despite reports that Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa have been endorsed by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, the race is not yet over.
The NRM Electoral Commission has officially opened the expression of interest process, inviting all eligible NRM MPs in the 12th Parliament to apply for either position through a handwritten or typed application accompanied by a curriculum vitae.
The move means that any NRM member of Parliament who meets the requirements is free to join the race before the list of aspirants is submitted to the party leadership for consideration.
According to the roadmap released by the Electoral Commission, all expressions of interest will first be compiled and presented to the CEC for vetting and approval.
The approved names will then be forwarded to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, which will meet at State House Entebbe to consider and adopt the party’s preferred candidates ahead of the parliamentary vote.
The Commission has, however, banned campaigning, canvassing for votes, bribery and the publication of false statements against fellow aspirants, warning that offenders risk immediate disqualification.
While the reported endorsement of Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa places them in a strong position, the formal party process is still ongoing, meaning the final decision will only be known after both the CEC and the NRM Caucus complete their respective stages.
Timeline
May 22–23: Expression of interest for Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.
May 24, 9:00 a.m.: CEC vets and approves candidates.
May 24, 2:00 p.m.: NRM Parliamentary Caucus considers the approved names at State House Entebbe.
May 25: Parliament elects the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.