NRM Opens Speakership Race for 12th Parliament

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially opened the race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament, unveiling a competitive contest for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.

Speaking to journalists at the party’s Electoral Commission headquarters on Saturday, May 23, 2026, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi announced that three party legislators had formally expressed interest in the Speakership, while 16 candidates joined the race for Deputy Speaker.

The move follows a directive issued by the party’s top organ.

“Following a directive from the Central Executive Committee (CEC) that sat yesterday, May 22, 2026, directing that we open expressions of interest for members of the 12th Parliament who are NRM and want to contest for the two positions, this is the outcome,” Dr. Tanga said.

According to Dr. Tanga Odoi, the legislators who successfully submitted their expressions of interest for the Speakership are Markson Jacob Oboth Oboth (West Budama Central County), Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiki (Masindi District Woman Representative), and Alioni Yorke Odria (Aringa South Constituency, Yumbe District).

Their entry into the race sets up a regional and strategic contest within the ruling party as preparations for the 12th Parliament intensify.

However, the process was not without controversy. Dr. Tanga revealed that Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza also attempted to join the Speakership race but did not meet the party’s requirements.

“For Speakership, there was Hon. Namuganza Persis from Bukono constituency in Namutumba who came to express interest outside the party rules,” Dr. Tanga explained. “She’s an NRM-leaning independent. The rules are clear: you must be an NRM flag bearer in the 12th Parliament.”

Despite the issue, Dr. Tanga said her documents would be forwarded to the Central Executive Committee for guidance instead of being rejected outright.

“We allowed this, and we are going to take it to CEC. We shall be guided by the legal brains of the Central Executive Committee. If it was her oversight, we excuse her. If it was an oversight of God, God is always great,” he added.