
Today there are 13 National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs who has decided to stand as a candidate and field interests in becoming the next speaker in the 11th Parliament after Jacob Oulanyah died in Seattle, United States of America. Because of the unfortunate death of Oulanyah, by law and after Constitutional Law the Parliament had to focus on an election of a Speaker before transacting any business in Parliament. Meaning it couldn’t function or have plenary sessions without a speaker.
This is why the acts of NRM Electoral Commission and the Parliament itself to schedule a new election of speaker has come so quickly. Since, the Parliament would loose a lot of time and the term, if it awaited a long mourning period or whatnot. Sadly, things has to move-on, even when the biggest men or the highest ranking official dies. The Republic continues while the families are holding the memory of deceased near their hearts.
The NRM Central Executive Committee must be happy that so many stepped forward and was willing. Because, some of these 13 candidates are risking their current positions or offices to get another one. They have faith that the NRM and the President see them fit. Because, the will of NRM CEC and the NRM Caucus is usually final.
The opposition can field a candidate or candidates, but doesn’t stand a chance. They are fish out of water. Not because they are not eligible or have possible characters that could fit the description of speaker or deputy speaker for that matter. For one simple reason: The opposition don’t have the numbers or the majority on their side. The NRM tends to support their own and most likely will vote for own candidate.
What is striking is that current Deputy Speaker Anita Among is throwing her weight into it. As she is currently the deputy and thinks she is the right fit to become the current one. Yes, she has held most of the plenary sessions since the 11th Parliament started, because Oulanyah only had like 3 plenary sessions. So, she has had to some time and proven herself. There are even a letter circulating proving that she did resign. Nevertheless, it is all up to the NRM CEC and their choices tomorrow.
The NRM CEC can know about the support and the possible alliances, which are everything from the ones who are supported by the Acholi Parliamentary Group to the ones going on TV and going to the NRM EC in favour of Among. There is all sorts of interests at play. Clearly, some are eyeing a possible upgrade or a promotion. Others are hoping to galvanize support or get recognition. Since, some of these MPs aren’t all that.
We can wonder, if the Ministers in the race has resigned from their offices, this in concern of Jane Ruth Aceng, Sarah Opendi, Jackson Kafuuzi, Jacob Oboth-Oboth or Denis Hamson Obua. I am saying that… because by law and the articles of the Speaker they cannot be both Speaker and a Minister at the same time. Meaning they are possibly risking their offices and has to resign as well.
The likes of Deputy Attorney General Kafuuzi is awaiting recognition from the NRM CEC tomorrow before resigning. Therefore, his awaiting the outcome of tomorrow before going all in. This shows that he has thought ahead, but it is a risk…. Since this signals to the President and the State House, that there are many who wants to get prestigious appointment and get higher up the ladder.
We know that the President don’t approve of naked ambition, but he cannot deny the swaying power of it either. That’s why he creates so many offices and possible state organizations to appoint his loyal cadres. Therefore, he shouldn’t be shocked about it.
The only thing we can do is now to await the results of tomorrows meeting. We have to see who has a shot and such. Since we know the Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa will get everyone or most of the MPs in line to vote in the direction the NRM CEC commands them to do. This is will be the final straw and the end of the matter. The election and the polls in Parliament will only be formalities after the NRM CEC decisions been made. The results are sort of made when the President and his council has decided.
The NRM MPs will follow that and this the end-game. Peace.










