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By Spy Uganda
A total of 19 National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament and one NRM-leaning legislator have formally expressed interest in contesting for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The expression of interest exercise was opened by the NRM Electoral Commission on Friday evening following directives and resolutions passed by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Addressing journalists at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Saturday, Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi confirmed that three candidates had expressed interest in the Speaker position, while 16 candidates are seeking the Deputy Speaker slot.
“Three MPs have expressed interest in the position of the Speakership while 16 have expressed interest in the Deputy Speakership position,” Odoi said.
However, Odoi revealed that there was a “special case” involving outgoing State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza, who expressed interest in the Speakership despite not being an official NRM flag bearer in the 12th Parliament.
“Namuganza came to express interest outside the party rules. We allowed this, and this matter is going to be forwarded to CEC. She is an NRM-leaning MP,” Odoi explained.
According to the party rules, only legislators elected on the NRM ticket are eligible to contest for the party flag bearer position for Speaker.
Among those seeking the Speakership are Jacob Oboth Oboth, MP for West Budama Central, Florence Asiimwe, Woman MP for Masindi District, and Alioni Yorke Odria, MP for Aringa South.
The race for Deputy Speaker has attracted a crowded field featuring several influential NRM legislators, including Thomas Tayebwa, MP for Ruhinda North, Rose Obiga, Woman MP for Terego, Catherine Lamwaka, Woman MP for Omoro, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, MP for Mawokota South, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, MP for Mwenge South, and Patrick Ogwang Obura, MP for Oyam South.
Others in the race include James Kaberuka Ruugiirnirigiyimana, Denis Namara, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, Steven Shyaka Gashija, Jackson Kafuuzi, Evelyne Tete Chelangat, Hillary Lokwang, Edward Otto Makmot and Henry Tumukunde, the MP for Rukungiri Municipality.
Odoi announced that all aspirants will undergo vetting by the NRM Central Executive Committee on Sunday morning at State House starting at 9:00am.
“The party electoral commission will present the names of the aspirants together with their CVs, and CEC will make the final decision,” he said.
Following the vetting process, the approved candidates will be presented to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus later in the day.
Odoi also disclosed that should voting become necessary, it will be conducted through the lining-up method.
The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson expressed confidence that the ruling party would retain both positions when Parliament convenes to elect its leadership.
“As the NRM party, we are very confident that the NRM candidate will win the Speakership race because we have the numbers, and numbers do not lie,” Odoi stated.
The final NRM flag bearers for both positions are expected to be known by the close of business on Sunday following the caucus deliberations.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/battle-for-parliament-20-candidates-join-nrm-speakership-deputy-speaker-race/
