As momentum builds around the contest for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth has remained notably quiet, choosing not to reveal his intentions. His silence, however, has only intensified public curiosity, with many interpreting it as a calculated political stance rather than indecision.
This is not the first time Oboth has been linked to the powerful parliamentary role. In 2021, he emerged as a serious contender, going head-to-head with the late Jacob Oulanyah before stepping aside. His withdrawal followed guidance from President Yoweri Museveni, a move that left supporters wondering what might have been.
Today, the political atmosphere is once again heating up, with several figures openly declaring their interest in the speakership. Yet Oboth’s absence from the list of vocal aspirants has made him one of the most talked-about figures in the race, precisely because he has said nothing.
Observers suggest that his quiet approach may be intentional, allowing him to watch developments unfold while preserving political capital. In a landscape where premature declarations can shift alliances, silence can sometimes be the strongest message.
Meanwhile, the debate has been amplified by the involvement of the NRM Revolutionary Network, a youth pressure group advocating for adherence to what it considers established standards for selecting a Speaker. Their voice has added a new layer to the ongoing discussion.
The group insists that historical precedent matters, arguing that the ideal candidate should have chaired the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee or taken part in the Constituent Assembly. According to them, these experiences are critical indicators of readiness for the role.
In that regard, Oboth stands out. His tenure as Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in the 10th Parliament gives him credentials that align neatly with the criteria being promoted, strengthening perceptions that he remains a viable contender.
For now, his next step remains uncertain. But in a political contest where every move is scrutinized, Jacob Oboth Oboth has managed to command attention without making a declaration—proving that sometimes, silence can be the most powerful strategy of all
