Obua Clarifies NRM position on speakership race

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Outgoing Government Chief Whip and Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, Denis Hamson Obua, has clarified that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has not yet settled on official candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking amid growing speculation within political circles and on social media, Obua said the ruling party is still following its internal procedures under Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus to determine candidates for the two top parliamentary positions ahead of the opening of the 12th Parliament.

Speaking to journalists at his office on Thursday, Obua confirmed that the first meeting of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus for the incoming Parliament will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, a day before the first sitting of Parliament, where legislators will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

“Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus has three critical phases or activities,” Obua said.

He added, “Number one is expression of interest for those interested to contest for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Number two, the Central Executive Committee under that rule should also meet to consider those who have expressed interest. Then, three, it culminates into the final approval and endorsement by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.”

The outgoing Government Chief Whip stressed that the process must be completed before Parliament sits on May 25 in line with constitutional requirements.

He dismissed reports suggesting that the ruling party had already endorsed candidates for the speakership race, insisting that no formal process had been concluded.

“For now, I think we are still in the process of determining. There could be candidates that may appear favoured, but I cannot confidently say there is already a candidate adopted,” Obua said.

He revealed that no formal expression of interest had been opened by the NRM Electoral Commission.

“As of now, I do not think there is any member of Parliament of the 12th Parliament who has formally expressed interest because it must come with a call for expression of interest from the Electoral Commission of the party,” he said.

According to Obua, the NRM is duty-bound to conduct its business within the confines of its written rules before unveiling official candidates.

The clarification comes at a time when political attention has shifted to the race for leadership of the 12th Parliament following the swearing-in of newly elected MPs.

Obua also clarified on the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group whose chairperson is the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing it as an internal pressure group operating within the broader NRM family but not a registered political party. 

“PLU does not operate as a registered political party, implying it is a pressure group under NRM whose main objective, in my opinion, is to provide checks and balances internally,” Obua said.

He argued that disagreements and alternative views within political organisations should not be viewed negatively, saying they are part of democratic engagement.

Obua acknowledged that he is a pioneer member of PLU and revealed that he participated in organising several activities in support of Gen Muhoozi before becoming heavily engaged in government work as the NRM Chief Whip.

However, he maintained that PLU positions remain advisory and are ultimately subjected to the formal structures and leadership of the NRM under President Yoweri Museveni.

“Whatever advisory decision that we take as PLU is again subjected to the final decision of the party we all belong to, registered under the laws of Uganda, for affirmation,” Obua said.

The outgoing Government Chief Whip also defended controversial laws passed by the 11th Parliament under his tenure as the whip, insisting they were enacted in good faith to protect Ugandans and safeguard national sovereignty.

“There could be challenges with the 11th Parliament, but in terms of legislation, all laws we passed were in good faith, in my humble opinion,” Obua said.

He urged Ugandans to remain law-abiding, arguing that citizens who comply with the law should have nothing to fear from the legislation passed by Parliament.