LIST: 15 MPs Nominated for Thomas Tayebwa’s Deputy Speaker Job; Three Nominated for Anita Among’s Speaker Job

The race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament has officially taken shape as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission concluded the exercise for expression of interest in the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

By the end of the exercise presided over by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi, three Members of Parliament had been nominated to contest for the Speaker position currently held by outgoing Speaker Anita Among.

The nominated candidates for Speaker are Jacob Oboth Marksons, the MP for West Budama Central in Tororo district, Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the District Woman MP for Masindi, and Yorke Alioni Odria, the MP for Aringa South in Yumbe district.

However, the biggest competition appears to be for the position of Deputy Speaker currently occupied by Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa, where 15 legislators have been nominated — 16 in total, including Tayebwa himself.

The nominated aspirants for Deputy Speaker include Rose Obigah, the Woman MP for Terego; Catherine Lamwaka, the Woman MP for Omoro; Thomas Tayebwa, MP for Ruhinda North in Mitooma district; Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, MP for Mawokota South in Mpigi; and Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, MP for Mwenge South in Kyenjojo district.

Others are Patrick Obura Ogwang, MP for Oyam South; James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana, MP for Kinkizi West in Kanungu; Dennis Namara, MP for Buyaga West in Kagadi; Lydia Mutende Wanyoto, Woman MP for Mbale; and Peace Tibyaze, Woman MP for Jinja.

The list also includes Steven Gashaija Shyaka, MP for Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso district; Jackson Kafuzi, MP for Kyaka South in Kyegegwa; Everline Tete Chelangat, Woman MP for Bukwo; Hillary Lokwang, MP for Ik County in Kaabong district; Edward Makmot Otto, MP for Agago; and Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu, MP for Rukungiri Municipality.

LIST: 15 MPs Nominated for Thomas Tayebwa's Deputy Speaker Job; Three Nominated for Anita Among's Speaker Job

List of NRM MPs who have expressed interest in deputy speaker and speaker jobs of 12th parliament

There is intense political lobbying within the NRM as party leaders prepare to settle on official flag bearers for the top parliamentary positions. The contests are expected to test regional balance, gender considerations and internal party alliances ahead of the formal election of parliamentary leaders for the 12th Parliament.

Aspirants who have expressed interest in the two jobs have been directed to desist from campaigning until the party has chosen candidates.

Thomas Tayebwa, who has been serving as Deputy Speaker, recently said he would respect whatever decision is taken by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) regarding the position, as reported Here.

Meanwhile, pressure has continued to mount from some female legislators and party mobilisers who argue that the principle of gender balance should influence the final choices for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker slots.

Relatedly, months ago, up to 38 politicians — including defeated MPs — were nominated for two EALA MP seats, as detailed Here.