The contest for the Parliament Speakership has intensified following the official declaration by Aringa South MP Alioni Odria to vie for the top legislative seat.
Alioni, who previously led efforts to censure Parliamentary Commissioners, joins a growing list of contenders seeking to unseat the incumbent, Anita Among.
Speaking to the media, Alioni said his decision is driven by the need to restore integrity, transparency, and public confidence in Parliament.
He pledged to prioritize the fight against corruption and strengthen oversight of public resources.
“My focus will be on fighting corruption within Parliament and restoring public trust in the institution,” Alioni said.
He also called for a special audit into the use of parliamentary funds during the current term, arguing that accountability must be established before the election of the next Speaker.
“There is a need for an independent review of how Parliament’s funds have been spent in this term, and this should be done before the election of the new Speaker,” he added.
Alioni played a key role in the recent campaign to remove Parliamentary Commissioners over controversial service awards that drew widespread public criticism.
Although a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement, he disagreed with the party’s Central Executive Committee decision to endorse Speaker Among and her deputy unopposed.
“Leadership positions should be contested democratically. Competition strengthens accountability and gives members a real choice,” Alioni noted.
His declaration comes amid a competitive field that includes political figures such as Persis Namuganza, Lydia Wanyoto, and Norbert Mao.
Analysts say the Speakership race is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in recent years, with debates over governance, transparency, and parliamentary accountability at its core.
