MPs give mixed reactions about the next Parliamentary Speaker

By Francis Lubega

3^rd February 2021

The race for the next speaker of the 11^th parliament is not yet visibly seen however, a number of Members of parliament are singularly trying to do underground campaigning for their favored candidates.

For his strictness, time management and no-nonsense attitude, Jacob Oulanyah has won some souls as an ideal speaker for the Ugandan Parliament. But he has also lost some, who believe that he does not give members as much time to speak, as Rebecca Kadaga does.

Each of the two speakers has strong points, upon which members are judging them as they faceoff for the top job, when the eleventh parliament opens its doors in May, 2021. This is Kadaga’s third bid for the speaker’s job and a second attempt for Oulanyah, who has also served twice, as the Deputy Speaker.

According to Bunyole West Member of Parliament James Waluswaka, Oulanyah is very strict on time and challenges the MPs so much, while Kadaga is accommodative, even for those who are less informed, comical, spontaneous and somewhat ill-prepared for debates.

But Erute North MP Charles Angiro Gutumoi, says that being too principled should not be taken as being tough or working against Parliament. Some MPs say that Oulanyah is tough and sometimes challenges MP in a way that makes them feel humiliated if they are not well prepared.

Bugahya county MP Pius Wakabi and Maurice Kibalya, the Bugabula South MP say Kadaga is bold and not cowed by the Ministers. She tasks the Ministers to account and gives the government deadlines, an indicator of her objectivity.