Robinah Rwakoojo, one of the legislators who had expressed interest in the race for Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, says she is now awaiting guidance and direction from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership ahead of the highly anticipated internal caucus position.
Rwakoojo said she remains fully committed to the position and guidance of the party leadership and is ready to align with whatever decision the NRM will take regarding the Deputy Speaker race.
“I remain fully committed to the guidance and final decision of the NRM party leadership on this matter,” she said.
“As a loyal member of the ruling party, I will support whichever direction is taken in the interest of unity and effective service delivery,” she added.
Her position adds to a growing number of aspirants and senior party members indicating willingness to align with the official NRM position once the party caucus formally meets to settle the Speakership and Deputy Speakership races.
The contest for the top parliamentary offices has in recent weeks generated intense political debate within the ruling establishment, with several names emerging for both Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions ahead of the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament.
Recent reports indicate that Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth has gained backing from influential sections within the ruling party for the Speaker position, while incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has also maintained interest in retaining his seat.
Tayebwa had earlier stated that he would be willing to step aside should the NRM and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leadership front another candidate for the position. However, fresh political developments on Tuesday saw both President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly back Tayebwa for another term as Deputy Speaker.
The NRM caucus is expected to meet soon to harmonise positions and formally communicate the party line on the leadership of the 12th Parliament, amid growing lobbying, regional balancing considerations and internal consultations.
Rwakoojo’s name remains among those attracting attention because of her extensive legal and parliamentary background, calm approach and long service within government institutions.
A lawyer and advocate by profession, Rwakoojo previously served for more than two decades in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, rising through the ranks to become Acting Director of Civil Litigation.
Her experience in government legal practice, parliamentary procedure and committee leadership has been cited by supporters as one of the factors making her suitable for the Deputy Speaker role.
She entered Parliament in 2016 as MP for Gomba West under the NRM ticket and served as Vice Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee during the 10th Parliament before later becoming Chairperson of the same committee in the 11th Parliament.
Rwakoojo also previously chaired Parliament’s Select Committee that investigated sexual violence in institutions of learning and served as Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities.
Supporters describe her as calm, loyal, accountable and knowledgeable in parliamentary rules and procedure, qualities they say would be critical in presiding over House business.
