WEST NILE LEADERS RALLY BEHIND ROSE OBIGAH FOR DEPUTY SPEAKER OF UGANDA’S 12TH PARLIAMENT

Hamid Salim, Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration of Arua Central Division, speaking during a media briefing to endorse Obigah Rose.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua City

Leaders and supporters from Uganda’s West Nile sub-region have united in support of Terego District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Rose Obigah, in her bid for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

Campaigning under the slogan, “For a people-centered Parliament free of corruption,” Obigah’s supporters are calling on leaders and citizens across Uganda to back her candidature, describing her as a capable and inclusive leader committed to integrity and national unity.

As of May 2026, Hon. Obigah officially confirmed her interest in contesting for the Deputy Speaker position.

Over the years, she has gained recognition for advocating issues affecting Northern Uganda, including compensation for war claimants and concerns surrounding illegal gold mining activities in Terego and Yumbe districts.

Popularly known as “Mama Terego,” she has also championed education and healthcare initiatives within her constituency.

Born on September 9, 1979, Rose Obigah is a trained lawyer and former social worker. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Master of Science in Gender and Governance, and several postgraduate qualifications in management and education.

Before entering Parliament, she served in a number of leadership positions, including President and Vice President of YWCA Uganda, Chairperson of the Uganda Change Agent Association, District Councillor for Arua, and Assistant District Registrar for the Electoral Commission in Moyo.

Speaking during a regional mobilization meeting, Hamid Salim, Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration of Arua Central Division, said West Nile has long been underrepresented in top parliamentary leadership positions.

“It has been many years since West Nile held the position of Deputy Speaker. This is the time for the region to stand firmly behind Rose Obigah, because she has the values, experience, and leadership qualities needed for the office,” Salim said.

Youth leaders also voiced support for Obigah’s candidature. Halatu Ham Bashar urged Aringa South MP Alioni York Odria to step down from the Speaker’s race and instead support Obigah’s campaign for Deputy Speaker.

“We believe Rose Obigah offers capable representation and can unite leaders across the region and the country,” Bashar noted.

Osuga Rashul described Obigah’s candidature as an opportunity for greater inclusion of West Nile in national leadership.

“Supporting Rose Obigah would show appreciation to the people of West Nile and strengthen the region’s sense of belonging in national governance,” Rashul said.

Ejotre Abdul Salam Yusuf, the Male Youth Councillor for Arua Central Division, said the country needs leaders who can restore public confidence in Parliament amid growing concerns over corruption and accountability.

“Ugandans want transparent and accountable leadership. Many people believe fresh leadership in Parliament could help rebuild trust in public institutions,” he said.

Leaders stand to endorse Hon. Rose Obigah for Deputy Speaker race in the 12th Parliament.

The race for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament is expected to attract several contenders.

Among those who have expressed interest are the incumbent Deputy Speaker, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa of Ruhinda North; Edward Makmot Otto, MP for Agago County; Marshall Alenyo O.O. Junior, MP for Jonam County in Pakwach District; Lillian Aber, Woman MP for Kitgum District and former State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees; Lydia Wanyoto, Woman MP for Mbale City; and Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, Woman MP for Sheema District.

Rose Obigah currently serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Terego District, a position she first won in the 2021 general elections under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket.

Since Uganda’s independence, the only person from the west Nile region to have led Uganda’s parliament was the late Francis Joash Ayume, who served between 1998 and 2001 as the Speaker of the 6th Parliament of Uganda

The first sitting of the 12th Parliament of Uganda is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026. The primary order of business for this inaugural session will be the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, overseen by the Chief Justice.

Following the general elections, a three-day swearing-in exercise concluded on May 15, 2026, with a total of 527 Members of Parliament officially taking their oaths. The completion of this process set the stage for the House to convene.