Government Chief Whip, Thomas Tayebwa has confirmed that he will not contest for the position of speaker as had been speculated.
In a tweet, Tayebwa wrote: "I wish to thank you Honourable colleagues for the calls you have made to me to contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament after the unfortunate passing of our senior Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah. This shows you appreciate the work we are doing and it energises us to do more. However, i want to inform you that I WILL NOT BE EXPRESSING INTEREST FOR THE POSITION OF SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT. I call on honourable colleagues members of Parliament and the nation to remain united as we mourn our fallen hero," he tweeted.
The office fell vacant after its holder Jacob Oulanyah died over the weekend in Seattle, USA. Under the law, no business can be conducted in the House when the office of the speaker is vacant.
The election of the speaker is scheduled to take place on Friday March 25, according to a tentative programme.
NRM MPs wishing to vie for the position must pick forms from the party headquarters before the end of today (March 22).
So far Jacob Oboth Oboth, the minister of state for Defence, has expressly said he will contest for the top job. Deputy Speaker, Anita Among is expected to contest for the position.
