PLU Endorses Oboth Oboth for Speaker, Muhoozi Orders Halt to Attacks on Namere — Who Is the Defence Minister?
Kampala, Uganda – The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has officially replaced its preferred leadership team for the 12th Parliament, endorsing Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth as its candidate for Speaker. The announcement, made on May 15, 2026, by PLU Chairman General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has shifted the political landscape ahead of parliamentary leadership elections.
But who is the man now positioned to lead Uganda’s next Parliament?
Educational Background
Oboth-Oboth, currently Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, holds a strong legal foundation:
· Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Makerere University (2001)
· Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice – Law Development Centre (LDC) (2002)
· Master of Laws (LLM) in Election and Cyber Law – University of Minnesota (2007)
· Management Certificate – Uganda Management Institute (UMI)
Political and Professional Journey
· He began his career at the Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs in Mbale.
· First elected to Parliament in 2011 as an independent candidate for West Budama Constituency, defeating the then State Minister for Labour, Dr. Emmanuel Otaala.
· In the 9th Parliament, he chaired the influential Committee on Rules, Discipline & Privileges.
· In the 10th Parliament, as Chairperson of the Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee, he masterminded the constitutional amendment that removed the presidential age limit.
· In 2021, he was appointed Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs – a position he has held to date.
PLU’s Endorsement and Muhoozi’s Directive
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly praised Oboth-Oboth as “the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years,” adding, “I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026-2031). God bless Hon. Oboth-Oboth!”
PLU member Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi confirmed the decision, stating, “As declared… our candidate for Speaker of Parliament is the Rt. Hon. @ObothOboth. The decision of our Supreme Chairman is final. Thank you, West Budama, for giving the nation Jacob Oboth Oboth.”
Meanwhile, 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 directive follows allegations of electoral fraud against Nameere, which Muhoozi has now shut down.
Lillian Aber rallied NRM/PLU MPs: “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 and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa have not yet publicly responded to their replacement. The 12th Parliament is expected to elect its leadership in the coming days.
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