PLU Endorses Oboth Oboth for Speaker as Muhoozi Protects Tayebwa, Orders Halt to Attacks on Namere

Kampala, Uganda – The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has officially reshaped the leadership race for the 12th Parliament, endorsing Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth for Speaker while confirming that outgoing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa remains protected and will run for the same position.

Muhoozi: Tayebwa is “Protected”

Despite being replaced on the top ticket, Tayebwa has not fallen out of favour with PLU Chairman General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. In a post on X, Muhoozi wrote: “Hon. Tayebwa is a very good man. He is my younger brother. He has no problems. He is protected!”

The statement has been interpreted as a clear directive that Tayebwa will retain PLU and NRM backing for Deputy Speaker when the 12th Parliament elects its leadership. PLU member SS Sebunya affirmed, “Hon Tayebwa is a leader who believes in the PLU ideology.”

Oboth Oboth Replaces Among for Speaker

General Muhoozi had earlier endorsed Oboth Oboth as his preferred candidate for Speaker, calling him “the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years.” Oboth Oboth, a lawyer with an LLM in Election and Cyber Law from the University of Minnesota, was first elected MP for West Budama in 2011. He previously chaired the committee that masterminded the removal of the presidential age limit and has served as Defence Minister since 2021.

The decision effectively drops outgoing Speaker Anita Among from the ruling party’s ticket.

Muhoozi Orders End to Attacks on Namere

Separately, Muhoozi issued a firm directive to PLU members to cease all attacks against Hon. Justine Namere, posting: “Leave @JustineNameere. That is my sister. I have no issues with her.” The intervention follows allegations by some PLU affiliates of electoral fraud against Namere.

Full PLU Ticket for 12th Parliament Leadership

· Speaker: Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth (endorsed by Muhoozi)
· Deputy Speaker: Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa (protected and endorsed by Muhoozi)

Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi confirmed the party’s position: “The decision of our Supreme Chairman is final.” Lillian Aber added, “All the NRM/PLU MPs will vote for the candidate you have endorsed! We believe in your decisions, our next president!”

Outgoing Speaker Anita Among has not yet publicly responded to the developments. Parliament is expected to elect its new leadership imminently.