In a political showdown within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the race for the coveted positions of Parliamentary commissioners and chairperson has intensified, with more than 100 NRM MPs throwing their hats into the ring.
Among the prominent contenders creating a buzz are Dickson Kateshumbwa and Mwiine Mpaaka, whose aspirations are poised to create a rift within the Central Executive Committee (CEC) due to their notable track records.
Dickson Kateshumbwa, the former Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority and current Sheema Municipality legislator is a fresh face in the 11th parliament.
With a wealth of expertise from his previous role, Kateshumbwa is positioning himself as a strong contender, potentially winning the favour of CEC with his impressive CV.
Mwiine Mpaaka, who made his entry into parliament in the 10th parliament as a youth representative for the western region and later secured Mbarara City South, has gained attention as the chairperson of the trade committee.
His role in uncovering irregularities within various government institutions, notably the recent Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives report, has propelled him into the spotlight.
Inside sources suggest that Mpaaka is a frontrunner among the candidates being considered by the NRM top brass for the commission.
The competition includes outgoing commissioners Solomon Silwany, Ester Afoyochan, and Prossy Mbabazi Akampulira, who have also expressed their interest in retaining their roles.
According to Rule 11 of the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, the composition of the commission includes the Speaker (as chairperson), Deputy Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Leader of Government Business, Minister for Finance, and four Members of Parliament, one of whom must come from the opposition.
Rule 11(6) outlines that the four backbenchers shall serve a term of two and a half years, with eligibility for re-election.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua is expected to unveil the number of candidates vying for the commission slot and committee chairperson positions tomorrow, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely watched political contest within the NRM ranks.