Political analysts have spoken out on the presence of President Yoweri Museveni in parliament today for the election of the speaker and deputy speaker.
The president is expected to grace the official opening of the 10th parliament where the legislators are expected to elect leaders to steer the house for the next 5 years.
Speaking to KFM, Dr Gerald Karyeija says Museveni’s attendance will definitely have an effect on the pattern of voting.
Although according to the Order Paper, the president is expected to arrive after the election is conducted by the Acting Chief Justice, Karyeija argues that his presence will only serve to ensure the NRM legislators do not deviate from the agreed position of supporting endorsed party candidates for both positions.
The party endorsed Kadaga for speaker and Jacob Oulanya for deputy, although Kampala central MP Mohammed Nsereko is eyeing the same seat.
Faces in the two races;
Rebecca Kadaga: She joined parliament under the National Resistance Council between 1989 and 1996 after which she served cabinet in different ministerial positions.
She was Deputy Speaker for the seventh and eighth parliament from 2001 to 2011 when she became the first female Speaker.
Today, if she faces no opponent Kadaga wins a second term in office as Speaker.
Jacob Oulanyah: Joined parliament in 2001 as a Uganda People’s Congressman before converting to NRM fiver years later.
In 2011, he became Deputy Speaker, replacing Kadaga who had gone for parliament’s top most position.
His efforts to rise to the rank of Speaker for the tenth parliament hit a dead-end early this month when the Central Executive Committee of the NRM decided that the 2011-2016 Status-Quo remains.
Oulanyah is set to face off with Kampala Central’MP, Muhammad Nsereko.
Muhammed Nsereko; Known for his boldness when it comes to fighting for his freedom.
The youthful legislator is in parliament for the second term but on an independent ticket after the NRM attempted to kick him out of the ninth parliament.
Previously branded as “rebel-MP” Nsereko believes that parliament deserves greater independence and thus his choice for the position of Deputy Speaker.
Story By Benjamin Jumbe
