Speaking during the NBS Media Roundtable on Friday, Mukiibi said it was inappropriate for MPs-elect to be pushed into publicly stating whom they would support for Speaker as one of their first actions.
“It’s dangerous for an MP-elect like me, who has just been elected, to be asked who I will be voting for as Speaker as one of the first questions,” he said.
Mukiibi emphasised that his immediate priority is understanding how the next Speaker will facilitate Members to effectively execute their mandate.
“My interest as an incoming MP is how the Speaker can help facilitate my work and make it easy. I think that’s very important and it’s not being discussed enough,” he said.
He also stressed the value of dialogue, consultation, and open engagement in politics, noting that leaders must listen to diverse views before making critical decisions.
“Politics should be about socialisation and I think it’s important that I listen to everyone. If you invite me anywhere, as long as I think it’s a good thing for me to come, I will be there,” Mukiibi said.
Mukiibi’s comments come amid heightened activity in the Speakership race, with several high-profile candidates officially declaring their bids.
Among them is Norbert Mao, President of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who recently concluded a nationwide consultation process and announced sufficient support to enter the contest.
Mao has pledged to prioritise accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity if elected Speaker, citing corruption as Uganda’s biggest challenge. He also urged supporters not to campaign actively for him, stating that his experience and track record are sufficient.
Commenting on the current leadership, Mao described Uganda as having ended up with an “accidental Speaker” following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in 2022. He argued that the country now requires a deliberate and carefully considered choice in the next Speakership contest.
Other contenders include incumbent Speaker Anita Among; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; Florence Asiimwe, Masindi District Woman MP; and Yorke Alioni Odria, MP for Aringa South County, all affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Political observers say the Speakership contest is shaping up as one of the most closely watched battles ahead of the 12th Parliament.
Tags: Eriasa Mukiibi, Speakership Race, Norbert Mao, 12th Parliament Uganda, Anita Among, Uganda Politics, Parliamentary Leadership