Speaking to Canary Mugume on Next Big Talk hosted by Next Radio on Tuesday, Asiimwe dismissed claims that the outcome of the speakership contest is predetermined, describing such assertions as propaganda.
“Those who know the law and procedures of electing a Speaker of Parliament should be informed that it is not over until it is over in the ballot box,” she said.
Asiimwe positioned her campaign around accountability, transparency and principled leadership within Parliament.
“I am a woman of principles. When you do what is not right, we part ways,” she said, underscoring her commitment to ethical conduct in public office.
She raised concerns about parliamentary management and past controversies surrounding the awarding of allowances by parliamentary commissioners.
“Haven’t you heard that commissioners awarded themselves Shs 500 million? And who chairs the commission? The Speaker; she is the head,” Akiiki said, arguing that such matters have drawn public scrutiny both locally and internationally.
The issue of commissioners’ allowances sparked national debate in 2023, with critics questioning the governance and accountability structures within Parliament.
The Parliamentary Commission, chaired by the Speaker, is responsible for the administration and welfare of Members of Parliament.
Asiimwe also expressed concern about what she described as a stifling culture within the House, saying some MPs feel constrained in speaking out or participating in key activities such as official benchmarking visits abroad.
“MPs are supposed to travel and benchmark with other countries to see how they are performing, and do things in a way that enables them to perform their best,” she said.
She advised newly elected legislators to guard their integrity and remain vocal in the face of mismanagement.
“Keep your integrity. Speak up when things go wrong in terms of mismanagement,” she urged.
In a lighter moment during the interview, Asiimwe revealed that her favourite song is Siri Regular by Spice Diana, adding confidently: “I’m not an ordinary MP. Parliament is lucky to have me.”
Akiiki is one of at least six candidates vying for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament. Other contenders include Anita Among, the incumbent Speaker; Norbert Mao, Democratic Party President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Persis Namuganza, MP-elect for Bukono County and State Minister for Housing; Lydia Wanyoto, MP-elect for Mbale City; and Yorke Odria Alioni, MP for Aringa South County. Most of the candidates are affiliated with the NRM.
The forthcoming speakership contest has emerged as one of Uganda’s most closely watched political developments, with debates around transparency, internal democracy, and the independence of Parliament taking centre stage.
Akiiki says her focus is to ensure that Parliament functions as an independent institution capable of effectively executing its oversight, representation and legislative roles.
“It is not over until the ballot,” she reiterated.