The name Marksons Jacob Oboth Oboth has for days been rumoured to be a favorite to replace Anita Among for the speaker job. On the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026, first son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced his endorsement of Jacob Oboth Oboth for speaker. So, who exactly is Jacob Oboth Oboth, the man poised to be 12th parliament speaker?Â
Jacob Oboth-Oboth is a seasoned Ugandan lawyer, legislator and cabinet minister whose career spans public service, parliamentary leadership and executive authority.
Born on April 13, 1971, in Tororo District in eastern Uganda, Oboth-Oboth has risen through the ranks to become one of the country’s key figures in governance, particularly in the legal and defence sectors.
His early life was defined by hardship, an experience that has often been cited as shaping his resilience and work ethic.
Raised in a modest Anglican family, Oboth-Oboth undertook menial jobs during his childhood to support himself. At one point, he reportedly dropped out of school due to lack of fees before receiving assistance from well-wishers, enabling him to continue his education.
Oboth-Oboth’s academic journey reflects a steady pursuit of legal training. He attended Muwafu Primary School, St Denis Ssebugwawo Secondary School and later Tororo High School for his advanced studies. He went on to join Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree, before obtaining a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre.
He later pursued a Master of Laws degree in election and cyber law from the University of Minnesota, further strengthening his expertise in modern legal frameworks.
Before joining elective politics, he built a career as a legal practitioner in government. He served as a state attorney in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, working in the Mbale regional office.
He also held a legal advisory role within the Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution, gaining experience that bridged both formal state structures and traditional institutions.
Oboth-Oboth entered active politics in 2011 when he was elected Member of Parliament for West Budama South Constituency.
Running as an independent candidate, he defeated then State Minister Dr Emmanuel Otaala in a closely contested race. His victory was later challenged in court but upheld, cementing his entry into Uganda’s legislative arena.
Since then, he has maintained a firm grip on his constituency, winning subsequent elections and establishing himself as a consistent political force in West Budama South. His electoral success has often been attributed to his grassroots mobilisation and ability to connect with voters at the community level.
In Parliament, Oboth-Oboth has held several influential positions. He has chaired the Committee on Rules, Discipline and Privileges, the Natural Resources Committee, and later the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee—one of the most critical committees in the House. He has also served on the Parliamentary Business Committee, giving him a role in shaping the legislative agenda.
His experience in Parliament paved the way for his appointment to the executive. He first served as State Minister for Defence before being elevated to Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs in a cabinet reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing Uganda’s defence policy, military administration and veterans’ affairs.
Like many public officials, Oboth-Oboth’s career has also attracted scrutiny. He was among the leaders investigated in connection with the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which relief items meant for vulnerable communities were reportedly diverted. He recorded statements with investigators, highlighting the broader accountability challenges within government.
A man who previously expressed interest in parliament’s top job, Oboth Oboth is now expected to be elected speaker after first Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsed him, as reported Here.
It should be remembered that Anita Among’s UK house doubled her troubles in the State House meeting as Museveni reportedly presented intelligence reports to pin the speaker – a day after a special meeting of NRM CEC bosses – excluding Anita Among and her allies – was held to decide Anita Among’s future, as reported Here and There.
Anita Among also reportedly told Museveni that it was Rebecca Kadaga fighting her and that she wanted her speaker job. Anita Among also pleaded with Museveni to let NRM CEC members to vote on the party’s flag bearer for the speaker race. (See Details Here and There).
