By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena has said Uganda deserves a better Speaker of Parliament who understands the constitutional mandate of the office and prioritises the interests of citizens.
Akena, who is also the member of parliament representing Lira East Division in Lira City, argued that the country needs a presiding officer capable of ensuring that Parliament serves as a platform where the voices and concerns of Ugandans are effectively addressed.
“I really hope that Uganda can get a Parliament with a Speaker who understands the role and the importance of a Speaker of Parliament,” Akena said. “Where there’s an opportunity, the citizens of Uganda should have their voices heard, and their concerns dealt with.”
He criticised what he described as a trend of self-interest among some parliamentary leaders, saying many have failed to prioritise the plight of ordinary Ugandans.
“Unfortunately, of recent times, we’ve had many Members of Parliament and leaders in Parliament who are there as self-seekers, out to grunt for themselves, with not concerned about the citizens who are suffering day and night,” he said.
The son of Uganda’s First Prime Minister and former two times President – Dr. Apollo Miton Obote (RIP), Akena maintained that Uganda can secure a Speaker who works for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
His comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the election of the Speaker for the 12th Parliament. Recent reports indicated that a section of UPC members had endorsed the incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among, for another term. However, Akena dismissed the reports, saying the party has not officially endorsed any candidate.
“We have not endorsed the current Speaker. So whoever is speaking, that one is speaking on their own terms. We will pronounce ourselves,” he said.
The contest for Speaker of the 12th Parliament is gaining momentum, with at least five candidates having declared interest. Among them are incumbent Rt Hon. Anita Annet Among, Norbert Mao, the president of the Democratic Party and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Women’s League president and Mbale City Woman MP-elect; Persis Namuganza, Bukono County MP and state minister for lands, and Aringa South County MP Alioni Yorke Odria.
Elections for the speaker of the 12th parliament of Uganda will take place after the swearing-in of the newly elected MPs and the President later this year, in May. The ruling National Resistance Movement is expected to play a decisive role in determining the next Speaker, given its numerical strength in Parliament.
