Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Tuesday, Wanyoto described herself as “the institutional memory” of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), underscoring her longstanding service and dedication to the party.
“I am the institutional memory of our party. I decided to join the Speakership race because my people in Mbale endorsed me. My people told me I am fit to be Speaker. They sought me out and encouraged me to step forward and represent them in the race,” she said.
Wanyoto explained that her decision to participate in the race was grounded in consultation and adherence to established procedures within both the Constitution and party structures.
“Before coming into this race, I wrote to all Members of Parliament, quoting the Constitution and the party guidelines,” she said, signaling her intent to run a campaign anchored in legality and institutional respect.
Addressing questions about party unity and internal competition, Wanyoto reaffirmed her unwavering allegiance to the NRM, even in the face of previous electoral setbacks.
“The NRM party is my party, and I have remained loyal even after losing in the primaries. In our party, we advocate for democracy,” she said, adding that competitive processes within the party should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of division.
Wanyoto’s remarks come amid heightened political attention surrounding the Speakership contest for the 12th Parliament, widely regarded as one of the most closely watched political developments of the year.
She joins five other contenders seeking to lead the 12th Parliament by wrestling the seat from incumbent Anita Among.
They are Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao, junior housing minister Persis Namuganza, Masindi District Woman MP Florence Asiimwe, and Yorke Alioni Odria, MP for Aringa South County—all affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement.