The decision by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) to endorse Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa as the party’s flagbearers for Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the upcoming 12th Parliament has triggered mixed reactions among legislators.
The endorsement followed a meeting of the ruling party’s top decision-making organ chaired by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman.
However, some aspirants for the speakership have expressed dissatisfaction with the development. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, the Mbale City Woman MP-elect and one of the contenders for the Speaker position, said she remains hopeful that the final decision will be determined by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
“I am still optimistic that the NRM Parliamentary Caucus will come up with the final decision,” Wanyoto said, noting that she has been a member of the ruling party for more than three decades.
Wanyoto also questioned the process through which the party flagbearers were chosen, arguing that the established procedures within the party may not have been fully followed.
“It’s unfortunate that the rules of the game have been ignored,” she said.
Despite her concerns, Wanyoto said she would heed the advice of President Museveni and respect the outcome of the forthcoming meeting of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
Other legislators, however, welcomed the CEC decision, saying it could help reduce tension and uncertainty ahead of the election of parliamentary leaders.
Bumali Mpindi, the MP for Bumali County, said the endorsement was timely and could help maintain stability within the House.
“The decision is timely, and as the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, we need to abide by it to ensure continuity in the House,” Mpindi told Nile Post.
The NRM Parliamentary Caucus is expected to meet in the coming days to deliberate on and formally endorse the party’s candidates before the official election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The race for the two positions is a crucial step in the formation of leadership for the next legislature at Parliament of Uganda, which will guide legislative business for the next five years following the general elections.