By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
With the clock ticking towards the inauguration of the 12th Parliament, the race for the Speaker’s seat has intensified, with at least six contenders emerging and political parties yet to take clear positions.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is banking on five candidates, alongside one independent-leaning aspirant aligned to the party, in a contest that is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years.
The incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among, is seeking to retain her seat amid growing interest from both senior government officials and legislators-elect.
Other aspirants include Norbert Mao, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Persis Namuganza; Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto; Masindi Woman MP Florence Asiimwe; and Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria.
Despite the growing list of contenders, opposition parties represented in Parliament have remained non-committal on whom to support, with no official endorsements announced so far.
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), one of the parties with significant representation, has also not fronted a candidate. Its president, Jimmy Akena, said none of the party’s MPs-elect has expressed interest in contesting for the top parliamentary job.
“None of my 12 MPs has informed me about their intentions to contest,” Akena said.
He emphasised the need for an effective legislature, noting that his preference is for a Parliament that works in the interest of all Ugandans.
“There are disappointments we have in this Parliament and, at the end of the day, we need a Parliament that works for Ugandans,” he said.
Akena added that the Speaker must rise above partisan interests and represent the voice of the entire nation.
“The National Assembly is composed of different political parties, each representing constituents. Whoever qualifies for speakership must understand that he or she is the Speaker of Uganda and must ensure every Ugandan’s voice is heard,” he noted.
However, the silence from opposition parties which have remained tight-lipped on their preferred choice is gradually causing divisions within parties, with growing speculations that many opposition MPs-elect have already pocketed money from some of the candidates to support their bid. UPC’s Jimmy Akena remained non-committal but insisted on
“I prefer a Parliament where the true voice of every Ugandan is heard. Will I get it? No,” Akena said.
The 12th Parliament is expected to commence business following the swearing-in of the new government next month, with the election of the Speaker among the first key activities on the agenda.
