The Minister of State for Defence, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, has confirmed that he will run for Speaker of the 11th Parliament, according to The Nile Post.
Oboth-Oboth stated in a brief interview with The Nile Post that, while he has not yet resigned from his ministerial position, he is “definitely picking the expression of interest forms” on Tuesday.
The position of speaker became vacant after its previous occupant, Jacob Oulanyah, died last weekend in Seattle, Washington. According to the law, no business can be conducted in the House while the speaker’s office is vacant.
The election of the speaker will take place on Friday, March 25, according to the tentative schedule.
Oboth-Oboth, who chaired the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, which controversially recommended lifting the presidential age limit, stated that he will work to continue Oulanyah’s legacy.
Oboth-Oboth is expected to face off against deputy speaker Anita Among, who has expressed interest in becoming speaker. Thomas Tayebwa, Theodore Ssekikubo, and Abdu Katuntu are among those expected to run.