As momentum builds in the race for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, optimism is rising across Bukedi Sub-region, where residents and leaders are increasingly confident that one of their own, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, could secure one of the country’s most powerful political offices.
What began as speculation following the exit of former Speaker Anita Among has now developed into a serious political conversation, after public endorsements and political gatherings signalled growing support for Oboth-Oboth’s bid.
Attention has since shifted to Tororo and the wider Bukedi region, particularly West Budama Central Constituency, where Oboth-Oboth currently serves as Member of Parliament.
Residents in the area describe him as a strong grassroots mobiliser whose political work helped strengthen support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the recent general elections.
Julius Oketcho, a resident, said Oboth-Oboth’s mobilisation efforts significantly improved electoral performance in the district.
“Because of his mobilization efforts, our district performance rose to 77.4 percent, which was much higher than previous elections,” Oketcho said.
Beyond electoral politics, supporters credit him with advocating for improved service delivery and supporting administrative reforms in the district, including backing the creation of new administrative units in Tororo.
Jimmy Othieno, another resident, said his potential elevation to Speaker would strengthen government attention to local development priorities.
“Apart from mobilizing support for the NRM party, he made us get a new district which we now want him to see take off. We are really hopeful,” Othieno said.
Across Bukedi, political leaders are framing his possible rise not only as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to increase the sub-region’s influence in national decision-making.
Richard Machika said Oboth-Oboth’s leadership style could benefit the region.
“With him as Speaker, this sub-region will develop because he is always a unifying person. His voice as Speaker will be highly respected,” Machika said.
Benard Ochieng argued that Bukedi has long suffered from limited representation in key national positions.
“This region has for long been left out, but we now feel we are finally getting a share of the national cake because our challenges will be tabled and addressed,” he said.
Other leaders, including Tororo District Speaker Betty Cheria, praised Oboth-Oboth’s consistency and determination.
“Once he starts something, he pursues it to the end. We are truly excited,” she said.
The Speakership race has attracted national attention amid consultations within the ruling NRM and wider political shifts in Parliament.
The contest comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over parliamentary leadership following ongoing public debate around governance, accountability and institutional transparency in the wake of the outgoing leadership of Anita Among.
Political analysts say the unfolding transition has intensified public interest in who will next lead Parliament, and what direction the institution will take in the coming term.
With anticipation rising across Bukedi and beyond, Members of Parliament are expected to elect the new Speaker of the 12th Parliament in a sitting scheduled for the 25th.
