Speakership Race: Inside Oboth Oboth’s Strategic Silence

Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth has maintained silence amid growing debate over the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, sparking speculation about his next move.

In 2021, Oboth had positioned himself to contest for the speakership against the late Jacob Oulanyah. However, he later stepped aside following intervention from President Yoweri Museveni, despite being widely regarded as a capable candidate.

As the race begins to take shape, several aspirants have already expressed interest. Oboth, however, has yet to make his intentions known—fueling perceptions that his silence could be strategic rather than incidental.

A youth pressure group, the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), has weighed in on the debate, calling for adherence to what it describes as established criteria for the position. According to the group, the Speaker of Parliament has traditionally been someone who either chaired the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee or participated in the Constituent Assembly.

The group argues that none of the current contenders meet these benchmarks and has urged that the same standards be applied in selecting the next Speaker.

Oboth previously served as Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in the 10th Parliament, a credential that could strengthen his candidacy should he enter the race.

While it may be too early to draw firm conclusions, political observers say Oboth’s experience and measured silence keep him firmly in the conversation. Whether he will eventually declare his interest remains to be seen, but for now, his quiet stance continues to attract attention.