Kampala : Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has been overwhelmingly voted Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament by over 400 votes at a special sitting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds
Three candidates were in the race: Oboth-Oboth, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer who emerged winner; Paul Mwiru of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who was presented as the joint opposition candidate and got 60 votes; and Democratic Party (DP) President General Norbert Mao, who got 15 votes.
Oboth-Oboth was nominated by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who told the House that his extensive experience in Parliament, government and public service had equipped him to lead the institution effectively. She also pointed to his endorsement by the ruling NRM and President Yoweri Museveni as a sign of confidence in his leadership credentials.
The election was presided over by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija.
Voting was by secret ballot, with MPs required to write the name of their preferred candidate on blank ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.
Some MPs’ ballots were rejected for writing candidates that are not contesting or putting the names of contestants for both the speakership and deputy. There were 3 spoilt votes.
