Jonam County Member of Parliament-elect, Godfrey Alenyo Marshall, has declared his interest in the Deputy Speakership of the 12th Parliament.
There are unverified reports that some Members of Parliament-elect from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) are quietly backing his bid.
Referred to by his supporters as “Dhanu pa Dhanu,” he said that at a time when Parliament must rise above division and deliver for the people, he offers steady leadership, integrity, and a unifying vision.
He further emphasised his commitment to strengthening debate, upholding fairness, and ensuring that every voice is heard while keeping focus on results that matter for Uganda.
Political insiders suggest that Marshall’s cross-party relationships and connections with influential figures could boost his chances. Some project that he could secure significant support ahead of the Deputy Speakership vote, which is expected in May 2026.
Alenyo, who won the Jonam parliamentary seat as an independent candidate aligned with the ruling NRM-leaning Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), is being celebrated locally as a rising political force.
He was among the key coordinators of President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026 re-election campaign in Pakwach district, where he helped deliver over 70 percent of the vote in an area previously considered opposition-leaning.
Alenyo’s entry into the Deputy Speaker’s race comes at a time of heightened political activity, with Parliament’s top leadership positions drawing interest from multiple contenders.
Incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa have already secured endorsement from the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), but the race remains competitive, reflecting ongoing debates around regional representation and leadership renewal.
Analysts say the speakership race has moved beyond routine procedure and is now a critical test of how authority will be negotiated and consolidated within Uganda’s multiparty framework, particularly under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
An MP-elect from the Acholi sub-region, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Marshall’s chances are strengthening due to his ability to appeal across political divides.
“Marshall is increasingly seen as a bridge between constitutional ideals and political realities. That makes him a viable candidate for the Deputy Speaker,” the legislator said.
The contest also places Alenyo in potential competition with the incumbent Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, whose growing institutional influence within Parliament remains significant.
Some MPs from West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, and Teso are reported to be rallying behind Alenyo for the Deputy Speakership position.
However, the outcome remains uncertain, as internal dynamics within the NRM and broader political alignments continue to evolve.
