Uganda’s political landscape has been rocked by a dramatic power shift following Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s public endorsement of Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The move, announced via a series of explosive posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning, May 15, 2026, marks the definitive end of the alliance between the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among.
Muhoozi’s endorsement of Oboth-Oboth as his “preferred candidate” for the 2026–2031 term confirms a stunning fallout that had been simmering for weeks.
“He has been the best Minister in our government for the past 5 years. I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament,” Muhoozi posted, effectively signaling a transition in the military-linked movement’s legislative strategy. This endorsement comes just days after the PLU formally withdrew its support for Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, citing new guidance from the CDF.
The CDF did not hold back in his criticism of the current parliamentary leadership, framing the upcoming speakership race as a battle against corruption.
Referencing the recent public outcry over Speaker Among’s reported acquisition of a Shs3.4 billion Rolls Royce, Muhoozi pointedly noted his own modest lifestyle despite his proximity to power. “I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a Rolls Royce ever. I don’t think Mzee has sat in one either,” he wrote, adding that the PLU believes in redirecting parliamentary funds to the “millions of Ugandans living in shacks.”
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In a comment that has sparked widespread debate, Gen. Muhoozi also suggested that the next Speaker would be a man, describing it as the “natural order of things.” While this appeared to shut the door on Among’s re-election bid, he offered a contrasting olive branch to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Describing Tayebwa as a “very good man” and a “younger brother,” Muhoozi assured the public that Tayebwa is “protected,” fueling speculation that he may retain his seat or transition into a compromise role within the new leadership structure.
As the May 25 election date for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker approaches, the endorsement of Oboth-Oboth, a trusted insider and veteran of regional security operations shifts the momentum of the race.
With the PLU claiming the support of over 300 legislators, the intervention marks a significant assertion of influence by Muhoozi’s movement over civilian political processes, setting the stage for what is likely to be the most contested parliamentary leadership vote in recent history.
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