At least Six MPs express interest in replacing Oulanya

At least six legislators have expressed interest in running for the speakership of Parliament to replace the late Jacob Oulanyah.

The list of the MPs includes Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, the West Budama MP Jacob Oboth Oboth, Hamson Obua (Ajuri County), Hillary Onek (Lamwo County), Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri), Felix Okot Ogong (Dokolo County), and Fox Odoi (Budama West North).

However, Thomas Tayebwa the Ruhinda North County MP who is also the Government Chief Whip has clarified that he is not interested in the seat.
Deputy Speaker Among who doubles as the Bukeddea District Woman Representative expressed interest in the seat on Monday night. The announcement was made by the Vice-Chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM party caucus in Parliament Herbert Kinobero.

The message sent via WhatsApp reads “As we continue to mourn our beloved Late Speaker of Parliament, and as a requirement by our Constitution, the Deputy Speaker will be going to NRM Electoral Commission to express her interest for the position of the Speaker of Parliament at 11.00 am on Tuesday.”

According to Alex Kintu Brandon, the Spokesperson of the NRM party Caucus in Parliament, the position of the Speaker is open to all the legislators, and they are free to express interest in it.

The caucus will sit on Thursday to front a candidate.

Meanwhile, John Baptist Nambeshe, the opposition Chief Whip says that the opposition lawmakers from the six political parties in Parliament including FDC, NUP, UPC, JEMA, PPP and DP are currently meeting at Parliament to choose a candidate for the position of Speaker.

Legislators under their loose coalition of the Greater North Parliamentary Forum that includes Teso; Acholi and West Nile convened at the Members’ Lounge of Parliament sat on Monday to evaluate potential candidates in their midst to be fronted for the top seat at the August House.

According to Hon Chris Baryomunsi the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, the cabinet sat on Monday and resolved to hold the election for a new speaker on Friday, March 29. Oulanya died in Seattle US on Sunday morning where he had been admitted since February 4th.