Ofwono Opondo Urges Patience Over Next Speaker Decision, Says NRM Will Decide

Ofwono Opondo Urges Patience Over Next Speaker Decision, Says NRM Will Decide

Former Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has called for patience among Ugandans eager to know who the next Speaker of Parliament will be, emphasizing that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) remains the sole authority to make that determination.

Speaking to journalists at Parliament shortly after taking oath as the Member of Parliament representing the Elderly in Eastern Uganda, Opondo dismissed ongoing speculation and endorsements from various quarters, saying such moves have no bearing on the party’s final decision.

“There is no need for excitement or speculation. It is only the NRM that will decide who becomes the next Speaker of Parliament,” Opondo said. He was responding to reports that some political formations had already endorsed Jacob Oboth, the current Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, as the next Speaker.

Opondo reaffirmed that the next Speaker would come from the NRM, underscoring the party’s internal processes and discipline in selecting its preferred candidate. “Even if people outside the party or other formations endorse someone, the choice still lies with NRM,” he stressed.

His remarks come amid growing political interest and maneuvering over who will succeed as the next Speaker following recent changes in parliamentary leadership. The NRM’s decision on the matter is expected within the coming week.

By urging calm and patience, Opondo sought to reassert the party’s authority and to remind both the public and political observers that internal consultations are still underway, with the final decision resting squarely within the NRM’s structures.