Asiimwe accuses fellow Bunyoro MPs of compromise in Speakership race

The Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament, Dr Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, has accused legislators from the Bunyoro sub-region of being compromised as the race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament intensifies.

Dr Asiimwe, who recently declared her intention to contest for the Speaker position in the 12th Parliament, claims that some Members of Parliament (MPs) from Bunyoro have failed to support her bid despite her being a daughter of the sub-region.

Speaking to Daily Monitorin Masindi on Saturday, she alleged that her rivals in the race have influenced MPs in the sub-region, making it difficult for her to secure unified backing.

“I expected MPs from Bunyoro to stand with one of their own, but what I am seeing is different. Some have already been compromised,” Dr Asiimwe said.

Dr Asiimwe specifically pointed to Rogers Byamukama, the MP-elect for Masindi Municipality, accusing him of undermining her bid.

According to Dr Asiimwe, Mr Byamukama, who represents the constituency where she was born, publicly endorsed incumbent Speaker Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, in February this year.

However, when contacted, Mr Byamukama defended his decision, saying his support for Speaker Among was based on personal choice.

“I supported the Speaker because she is my personal friend, and I believe in her leadership. I have worked with her, and she even came to Masindi to mobilise votes for me. Why can’t I support her and even look for her votes?” Mr Byamukama said.

He also dismissed claims that he had betrayed his region, insisting that political choices should not be forced on leaders.

At the same time, Mr Byamukama challenged fellow MPs from Bunyoro to explain their positions regarding Dr Asiimwe’s bid.

“MPs in Bunyoro must come out clearly and explain to the public why they are not supporting Dr Asiimwe. Mine is simple: I request Honorable Anite's vote from them,” Mr Byamukama said.

The controversy has drawn reactions from stakeholders in the region. Mr Harrison Businge Magezi, the chairperson of the Albertine Oil Reporters Association and director of Oil City Radio, said there is a need for leaders from Bunyoro to rally behind Dr Asiimwe, arguing that her bid presents a rare opportunity for the region to secure a top national position.

“As Banyoro, we should support one of our own. This is a chance for the region to have a stronger voice at the national level,” Mr Harrison Businge Magezi said.

‘Going back to the people’

Dr Asiimwe said she is closely watching how MPs from the Bunyoro sub-region will vote when the Speaker is elected.

“If I do not get support equivalent to the number of MPs from Bunyoro, then the people will have every right to question their leaders,” Dr Asiimwe said.

She added that she would mobilise voters to demand accountability from their representatives if they fail to support her.

“I shall go back to the people and ask them to task their MPs on why they refused to support a fellow leader from their own region,” Dr Asiimwe added.

The Bunyoro sub-region, which covers districts such as Masindi, Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, and Buliisa, is represented in Parliament by about 28 Members of Parliament.

These include eight district Woman MPs and 20 constituency legislators drawn from both rural constituencies and urban divisions such as Hoima City and Masindi Municipality.

The MPs form what is commonly referred to as the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, a regional bloc expected to champion the shared interests of the area.

However, the current disagreement among MPs highlights growing divisions over political loyalty and personal interests.

“The Speakership is a national position, and MPs tend to look beyond regional ties when making such decisions,” Mr Wilson Musiime, a political observer, noted.

Uganda's 12th parliament Speakership race has drawn interest from more than four contenders seeking to end Among's House leadership later this month (May).