We Need a Speaker Who Is Not a Thief — Otafiire
Minister for Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire has called for the election of a Speaker of Parliament who is honest, disciplined, and capable of restoring the institution’s dignity, as internal debate over the next leadership of Parliament gains momentum within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Speaking shortly after Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony, Otafiire said the next […] The post We Need a Speaker Who Is Not a Thief — Otafiire appeared first on Daily Star.
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Minister for Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire has called for the election of a Speaker of Parliament who is honest, disciplined, and capable of restoring the institution’s dignity, as internal debate over the next leadership of Parliament gains momentum within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking shortly after Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony, Otafiire said the next Speaker must embody integrity and command public trust amid growing criticism of the 11th Parliament.
“I need a Speaker who is honest and truthful—one who restores dignity and respect to our Parliament. Not a hypocrite, not a thief, and not a person of immoral behaviour,” he said.
The Ruhinda North MP’s remarks come against the backdrop of sustained public scrutiny of Parliament over corruption allegations, controversial spending, and perceptions of excess.
Otafiire, however, acknowledged his limited participation in plenary sittings, noting that his focus has largely been on ministerial duties and committee work.
“I have not been on the floor of Parliament since the term began. I have been concentrating on ministry work and committee assignments, but I was also shocked by some of the things I saw happening,” he said.
The veteran politician added that he has deliberately steered clear of internal parliamentary wrangles that have dominated public discourse, choosing instead to focus on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
His comments came on the same day Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly endorsed Oboth Oboth for the Speakership, signalling what some analysts view as early positioning ahead of the 2026 transition.
In a series of posts on his official X account, Muhoozi praised Oboth Oboth’s performance in government and suggested the decision on the next Speaker had effectively been settled ahead of an NRM caucus meeting expected to be chaired by President Yoweri Museveni.
“He has been the best minister in our government for the past five years. I want to be the first to endorse him for Speaker of Parliament (2026–2031). God bless Hon. Oboth-Oboth!” Muhoozi posted.
The endorsement has sparked renewed debate within ruling party circles, with some interpreting it as a strong signal on the likely direction of the Speakership race.
The developments also cast uncertainty over the political future of current Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as discussions around possible changes in parliamentary leadership continue to intensify.
In a separate post, Muhoozi appeared to dismiss the prospect of a contest altogether, asserting that the ruling camp had already made its choice.
“We have already made our decision on the new Speaker (a man). Men were born to lead. That’s the natural order of things,” he said.
He went further to downplay the possibility of a competitive race, insisting the outcome was no longer in question.
“There is no Speakership battle. Our God Jesus Christ won that battle a long time ago. We already have our new Speaker, supported by UPDF. No one should even dream of trying me. I will not stop for anything,” he said.
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