Muhoozi Effect: Mukono Turns Into Power Arena As Hundreds Of NRM MPs Flock Oboth-Oboth’s Thanksgiving

By Swift Reporter

What began as a thanksgiving ceremony for Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth on Saturday quickly transformed into one of the most significant political gatherings of the year, as hundreds of newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament converged on his home in Mukono District amid intensifying speculation over the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

Held at Kyungu Village, the event drew ministers, senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, top NRM officials, clergy and local residents in what many observers described as a powerful demonstration of Oboth-Oboth’s growing influence within Uganda’s ruling establishment.

The thanksgiving came just a day after Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), publicly endorsed Oboth-Oboth as his preferred candidate for Speaker.

In a post on X, Muhoozi praised the Defence Minister as one of the government’s best-performing officials, a move that dramatically altered the internal political landscape.

The endorsement followed an announcement by PLU Secretary General Daudi Kabanda that the movement had withdrawn its earlier support for Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

The scale of security deployment around Oboth-Oboth’s residence reflected the extraordinary political importance attached to the gathering.

Police and UPDF personnel were stationed along the road nearly a kilometre from the venue, where vehicles were subjected to rigorous checks before being directed to separate entry points for VIPs and ordinary guests.

Access to the main compound was limited strictly to invited attendees.

Inside the venue, seating was carefully arranged according to rank and status, with dedicated tents for VVIPs, legislators, clergy, NRM Secretariat officials and members of the public.

By mid-afternoon, the event had filled much of the football field-sized grounds, underscoring the immense interest it had attracted.

Among the notable figures in attendance were Daudi Kabanda, State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Works Musa Ecweru, and Lydia Wanyoto.

Also present was Major General James Mughira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation.

Although Oboth-Oboth told reporters after his swearing-in at Parliament that he was unaware of any formal endorsement, Saturday’s turnout was widely interpreted as a clear indication that momentum is building around his candidacy.

The event took place as debate over the next Speaker intensifies, with several legislators and political figures expressing interest in challenging for the position.

With hundreds of NRM MPs, senior government officials and influential political actors gathering at his home, Oboth-Oboth’s thanksgiving evolved far beyond a personal celebration.

For many observers, it became a vivid display of political muscle and a signal that the contest for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament may be entering a decisive new phase.