By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders under their umbrella body, the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), have warned that President Yoweri Museveni’s political future could be at risk if the ruling party does not carefully choose the next Speaker of Parliament.
Addressing journalists at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on Monday, the youth leaders described the incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among, as “incompetent and unfit” for a second term and called upon President Yoweri Museveni to personally take charge of the process.
Ivan Mwijukye, NRM youth leader alleged that Among’s tenure has been marred by corruption allegations and unprofessional conduct during plenary sittings.
He further claimed that the Speaker had failed to uphold the core principles of the National Resistance Movement, accusing her of influencing her election as speaker after the death of late speaker RT Hon. Jacob Oulanya as well as conniving with NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr Tanga Odoi to influence last year’s party Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections by allegedly backing candidates loyal to her.
“Among became Speaker because of the gender issue. She wouldn’t have been Speaker if it was not for that; she didn’t have the qualities,” Mwijukye said.
The youth leaders also raised concern over proposals to introduce electoral colleges where Members of Parliament would elect the President, warning that such changes could be exploited for political manoeuvring.
They argued that if such a system were adopted, it could open doors for political contestation within the party hierarchy. “We request His Excellency, as party chairman, to take charge and ensure the Speaker has the required qualities,” Mwijukye added.
The group says there are other NRM legislators they believe possess the credentials to lead Parliament better than Among.
Another youth leader, Mugagga Jude Wanume, said the party should not sideline what he termed as “credible candidates” who have expressed interest in the position.
“When you look at some of the candidates who have shown interest, they are loyal members of the party with tangible results and professional qualifications, you cannot lose such credible candidates. Some are advocates of the High Court,” Wanume said without naming anyone.
The youth also dismissed reports that the NRM Central Executive Committee had passed a resolution endorsing Among for another term. According to Mwijukye, the alleged resolution did not meet quorum requirements.
“CEC has 23 members, excluding the President and his deputy Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, who are independent on that committee, and five seats for historicals that are yet to be filled. The members who allegedly passed that resolution did not form a quorum,” he said.
Despite their criticism, the youth leaders said they are not against Among as an individual but are opposed to what they termed as “ring-fencing” the speakership.
“We don’t have any problem with her personally, but prolonging occupation of the office risks turning it into a political springboard for higher office,” the group warned.
At least five candidates have so far expressed interest in the speakership. They include Among, Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto and Alioni Odria Yorke, all members of the NRM.
The fifth aspirant is Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and President General of the Democratic Party (DP), which is in a working cooperation agreement with the NRM.
The race for the Speaker’s seat is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as party organs deliberate on the matter.
