KAMPALA, Feb 24, 2026 — The contest for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has intensified with the formal entry of Aringa South MP-elect Alioni Yorke Odria, bringing the number of declared candidates to five.
Odria, who spoke to journalists in Kampala on Tuesday, said he is entering the race to “restore the lost glory of Parliament,” pledging to tackle corruption, promote media freedom, and implement reforms to strengthen the institution.
“We must have transparency and a corruption-free Parliament,” Odria told reporters, criticising what he described as undemocratic endorsements of candidates by senior party leaders. He called on President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), to clarify the party’s position on the Speakership contest to enable informed decisions by MPs.
Odria also referenced his earlier efforts to hold parliamentary commissioners accountable, saying the experience underscored the need for stronger oversight and integrity in the legislature.
He becomes the latest contender joining a competitive field that includes: Norbert Mao, Justice Minister and MP-elect for Laroo-Pece, who has emphasised accountability and institutional independence; Persis Namuganza, Lands State Minister, who has defended her bid as a reform-oriented campaign; Lydia Wanyoto, Mbale City Woman MP-elect; and Anita Among, the incumbent Speaker seeking re-election.
Odria’s pledge to promote accountability and media freedom adds to broader debates on legislative oversight and governance ahead of the new Parliament’s inauguration. Observers say the Speakership race is set to be one of the most closely watched leadership contests following the January elections.
