The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has appointed Ann Adeke Ebaju, the Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti District, as the party’s Chief Whip in the 12th Parliament.
The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee meeting held at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Wednesday.
“The National Executive Committee sitting at Najjanankumbi has appointed Hon. Adeke Ann Ebaju as the FDC Party Whip in the 12th Parliament,” the party said in a brief statement.
As party whip, Adeke will be responsible for coordinating FDC legislators in Parliament, enforcing party discipline, communicating the party’s position on motions and legislation, and mobilizing members for plenary and committee business.
A senior party official said her appointment takes immediate effect and is intended to strengthen cohesion within the party’s parliamentary caucus.
“Her appointment is effective immediately and she will take over the responsibility of ensuring cohesion among FDC legislators in the House,” the official said.
Adeke, who has been outspoken on women and youth-related issues in Parliament, replaces the previous whip structure that guided the FDC caucus during the 11th Parliament.
Her appointment comes amid lingering questions surrounding her earlier designation by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to serve as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurances, deputizing Francis Zaake.
Leadership positions in parliamentary committees are typically negotiated among political parties represented in Parliament, with the Leader of Opposition submitting names for opposition slots. FDC and NUP have previously differed over representation and the sharing of leadership positions since the start of the 12th Parliament.
Adeke’s new role could prompt clarification from the Speaker’s office on how party appointments and parliamentary committee positions will be harmonized, especially given FDC’s smaller numerical presence within the opposition bloc compared to NUP.
“The NEC is confident that Adeke will provide strong leadership to our caucus at a time when Parliament is handling critical national issues,” the party official added.
Adeke had not yet issued a public statement on the appointment by Thursday evening.
