Uganda’s newly sworn-in Members of Parliament will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament on May 25.
The Office of the Clerk to Parliament confirmed the date during Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony.
Officials said the election would become the first major business of the new Parliament after lawmakers complete the oath-taking process.
Peter Odeke delivered the announcement on behalf of the Clerk to Parliament during proceedings at Parliament.
“After the swearing in of Members of Parliament, the first business shall be conducted on May 25 when they shall elect their Speaker and Deputy Speaker,” Mr Odeke said.
The announcement officially launches what is already shaping into a competitive leadership contest.
By late morning on Wednesday, at least 95 incoming legislators had taken oath.
Among those sworn in was Bukedea Woman MP Anita Annet Among.
Ms Among currently serves as Speaker of Parliament. She now seeks another term in office.
She first assumed the position after the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022.
In recent weeks, Ms Among has intensified efforts to secure political support ahead of the Uganda Parliament Speaker election.
Her campaign has focused on consolidating backing within the ruling National Resistance Movement and among independent lawmakers.
However, several politicians have also declared interest in the Speakership race.
The contenders include Laroo-Pece MP-elect Norbert Mao, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto and Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza.
Their entry into the contest signals a potentially high-profile parliamentary battle.
Political observers say the election carries importance beyond internal parliamentary leadership.
The outcome may influence political alliances and legislative priorities during the next five years.
Attention has also shifted toward the Deputy Speaker position.
Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa currently occupies the office and seeks another term.
The contest gained fresh political attention this week after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba withdrew earlier endorsements for Ms Among and Mr Tayebwa.
Gen Muhoozi chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda and also serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
He announced the reversal on Tuesday.
The move immediately triggered speculation about shifting political alliances.
Although the Patriotic League of Uganda does not officially operate as a political party, the movement has increasingly influenced national political discussions.
Analysts say the withdrawal of support could affect lobbying efforts ahead of the May 25 vote.
Despite the developments, Ms Among remains one of the strongest contenders in the race.
Her supporters point to her influence within Parliament and the ruling establishment.
Since taking office in 2022, she has presided over several major parliamentary debates and legislative sessions.
Her leadership style has attracted both praise and criticism.
Supporters say she has maintained firm control of parliamentary proceedings during difficult political moments.
Critics, however, argue that Parliament has faced increasing scrutiny over accountability and expenditure issues.
The Uganda Parliament Speaker election comes at a politically sensitive time.
Public debate around governance, institutional independence and public spending remains intense.
The Speaker’s office holds significant constitutional authority in Uganda.
The Speaker presides over parliamentary debates and influences committee appointments and legislative scheduling.
The Deputy Speaker also plays a key role in managing proceedings inside the House.
Political strategists expect heavy lobbying in the coming days.
Candidates will likely target support from ruling party legislators, independents and opposition lawmakers.
Several newly elected MPs could also emerge as influential voting blocs during the election.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the formal beginning of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
Lawmakers taking oath pledged allegiance to the Constitution and committed themselves to serving the country.
Parliament officials expect the remaining legislators to complete the process before the leadership vote.
Security remained tight around Parliament throughout Wednesday’s proceedings.
Supporters, officials and parliamentary staff gathered at the precinct for the ceremony.
The coming vote may provide an early indication of how alliances inside the new Parliament could evolve.
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