Ofwono Opondo: MPs Eyeing Speaker’s Seat Are Playing ‘Political Chess’

KAMPALA – Former Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has dismissed the growing list of Members of Parliament declaring interest in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, describing their moves as strategic positioning rather than genuine bids for the leadership of Parliament.

Speaking to journalists at Parliament on 21 May 2026, Opondo argued that many of the lawmakers angling for the two top positions are not necessarily running to win but are instead playing what he called a “political chess game.”

“Many of these people who are picking, who are expressing interest for speaker and deputy, they are mainly playing political chess game,” Opondo said.

According to Opondo, some MPs have learnt from the last Speaker race in 2020–2021 that public mobilisation and making “noise” can significantly raise their political value.

“From the last election of the speaker 2020–2021, they know that if you make some noise, you mobilise, the chances of you being considered maybe for a ministerial, minister of state, is relatively high,” he explained.

He suggested that some of the declarations are merely tactical, with certain lawmakers angling to be considered as deputy speaker candidates primarily to position themselves for eventual Cabinet appointments.

Opondo called for calm, noting that by Sunday, 24 May 2026, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is expected to have a harmonised position on who the next Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be.

‘No One Is Above the Law’

In the same briefing, Opondo addressed the ongoing investigation into former Speaker Anita Among, insisting that she is not being singled out unfairly.

He pointed to past cases involving high-ranking government officials, including former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya and former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura.

“This is not the first. You remember the case of Bukenya, the Vice President had served for nine years, he was investigated, arrested, charged before a court of law, and the case was collapsed midway,” Opondo said.

“Kale Kayihura was IGP for how long? Twelve years? Did he do bad for mobilising for NRM and keeping the state firm? He was investigated, charged before military court martial, tried, and along the way the case collapsed.”

Opondo reiterated the NRM’s position that no one should be above the law. “When NRM says nobody should be above the law, we mean exactly that,” he stated. “Yes, you can be a Speaker today, tomorrow you are not.”

He added that holding high office does not grant immunity from accountability. “So, Anita is not an exception. The process will absolve her if the investigators don’t find anything credible tying her to those allegations.”

Criticism of Investigation Methods

While defending the principle that former Speakers can be investigated, Opondo criticised the manner in which security forces have handled the probe into Among.

“Of course, it is sad that the investigators did what the Baganda would call okusasamaza (sensationalism), as if they are doing a film and then you wonder to what end what evidential value will be for court in the way that investigation is being carried out,” he said.

“It appears to me they are trying her through the media which I think is not called for.”

Despite his concerns over the investigation’s public nature, Opondo maintained that there is nothing exceptional about a former Speaker facing legal scrutiny. He argued that the process should be allowed to run its course without media sensationalism.

Political Implications

Opondo’s remarks come at a sensitive moment as Parliament prepares for leadership changes. With the NRM expected to announce its harmonised position by 24 May, political temperatures remain high. His analysis suggests that while some MPs are genuinely interested in the Speaker’s chair, others are using the contest as a springboard for executive appointments.

As the clock ticks toward the party’s harmonisation deadline, the distinction between genuine contenders and political strategists may become clearer. For now, Opondo’s message is clear: not every declared candidate is in it to win it — some are simply playing the game.