The race for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament has intensified, with at least five individuals expressing interest in contesting for the top legislative position.
Among those expected to run is the incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among, who assumed office following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
Although she has not yet officially confirmed her bid, the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, the party to which she belongs, confirmed that during a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, members agreed to maintain the status quo on the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Other candidates have already declared their intentions, including Bukono County Member of Parliament-elect and State Minister for Housing, Persis Namuganza, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Namuganza said her priorities include restoring the dignity of Parliament, which she claims has declined, and ensuring that the voices of Ugandans are effectively represented.
The Democratic Party President General and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has also confirmed his intention to contest.
Mao said his key agenda includes fighting corruption and addressing electoral irregularities that have characterized Uganda’s elections.
“My focus will be on restoring integrity in Parliament and ensuring that the institution works for all Ugandans,” he said.
Lydia Wanyoto, also an NRM member, a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee, and Member of Parliament-elect for Mbale City, has joined the race, citing her qualifications and extensive experience as key strengths for the position.
Another contender is Yorke Odria Alioni, the Member of Parliament for Aringa South County and an NRM member.
His priorities include combating corruption, promoting transparency, restoring constitutional order, and ensuring Parliament’s rules and procedures are respected.
He has also emphasized the need to allow parliamentary committees to operate independently without interference.
All the candidates say they have conducted the required consultations and have sufficient support to win the race.
The number of contenders is expected to rise as more aspirants declare their intentions ahead of the election of the Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, scheduled to take place in May this year.
