Otto Makmot declares bid for Deputy Speaker of 12th Parliament

19 May 2026, 9:09 am

By Freeman Canogura

Agago County Member of Parliament Otto Edward Makmot has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament of Uganda, pledging to bring experience, integrity, and reform-minded leadership to the House.

In a statement of expression of interest addressed to Members of Parliament, Makmot congratulated colleagues upon their swearing-in and said he was “humbly expressing interest” in serving as Deputy Speaker. He said his decision is informed by a combination of legal, parliamentary, and international leadership experience, which he believes positions him to effectively serve both Parliament and the people of Uganda.

Makmot highlighted his professional background as a Senior International Lawyer and Canadian Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, with practice experience spanning over a decade. He is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association, and a partner at Otto Barrister, Solicitor & Notary in Toronto, Canada.

In Uganda’s parliamentary service, Makmot previously served as Vice Chairperson of the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee in the 10th Parliament, and was also a member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee during the same term. He further noted his earlier leadership roles, including serving as Board Secretary of the Uganda North American Association (UNAA), Guild Representative and Minister of Production at Makerere University’s Nsibirwa Hall, and Deputy Head Prefect at St. Henry’s College Kitovu. He also represented Masaka District as a child delegate to the National Constituent Assembly in 1994.

On academics, Makmot holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Canada, a Master of Laws in International Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University. He also obtained a Certificate of Qualification from Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation and is a licensed advocate in both Uganda and Ontario, Canada.

Makmot said leadership in Parliament requires service, fairness, discipline, and commitment to democratic values, adding that his experience in parliamentary procedure and legal affairs has prepared him to serve impartially. He appealed for support from fellow legislators, saying his focus would be on strengthening unity, accountability, and effective representation in the 12th Parliament.

If successful, Makmot will join the top leadership of Parliament, which plays a key role in presiding over House business, maintaining order, and guiding legislative processes.