Hundreds of New MPs Attend Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth’s Thanksgiving Ceremony while the former speaker is under scrutiny

Hundreds of New MPs Attend Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth’s Thanksgiving Ceremony in Mukono.

In a powerful show of unity and momentum within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), over 200 newly elected Members of Parliament turned up physically for the thanksgiving ceremony of Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.

The high-profile event, held at his residence in Kyungu, Mukono District, drew massive attendance from NRM/PLU-aligned MPs, senior government officials, UPDF officers, and dignitaries. Many observers described the gathering as more than just a thanksgiving it served as a clear demonstration of Oboth-Oboth’s growing influence and consolidation of support ahead of the election of the 12th Parliament leadership.

Strong Show of Support

Sources at the event noted that MPs cancelled other appointments to ensure their physical presence, following reported instructions for NRM elected members to attend. The large turnout comes just days after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Hon. Oboth-Oboth as the preferred candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament (2026–2031).

This endorsement followed the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)’s withdrawal of support from incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy, signalling a major shift in parliamentary power dynamics.

New Security Detail

Adding to the buzz surrounding the event, Hon. Oboth-Oboth was seen with a visibly enhanced and professional new security detail, reflecting his elevated status as a leading contender for one of Uganda’s highest constitutional offices. As Minister of Defence, Oboth-Oboth has long maintained close ties with the security establishment, but today’s upgraded protection underscored the seriousness with which his new political role is being treated.Political SignificanceThe thanksgiving ceremony comes at a pivotal moment.

With the 12th Parliament set to elect its Speaker and Deputy Speaker soon, the massive attendance by new MPs signals strong grassroots and party-level backing for Oboth-Oboth, a seasoned legislator, lawyer, and one of President Museveni’s trusted lieutenants.Oboth-Oboth, who represents West Budama Central County (Tororo District), was recently sworn in as an MP for the new term and has built a reputation as a competent and loyal cadre within the NRM.

As the political temperature rises in Kampala, today’s event in Mukono has further cemented Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth’s position as a central figure in the unfolding leadership race. This is a developing story. More updates expected as the Speakership race intensifies.