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MP blocked as minister joins Deputy Speaker race
This photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows Rakai District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Juliet Kinyamatama Suubi (right) addressing journalists in Kampala about her intention to vie for House Speaker. She was flanked by Mr Gyaviira Ssemwanga (left), the Buyamba County MP, whom she appointed to head her campaign team. PHOTO/ DAVID LUBOWA
What you need to know:
The party electoral commission yesterday received two more applicants from its members including a state minister
The National Resistance Movement electoral commission yesterday blocked Rakai Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama Suubi from contesting on the ruling party ticket because of being an Independent legislator.
Ms Kinyamatama had gone to the party headquarters on Plot 10 Kyadondo Road in Kampala to pick nomination forms for the position of deputy Speaker.
The authorities at the NRM Secretariat, however, reminded Ms Kinyamatama that without a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU), it would be difficult for her to secure endorsement.
Ms Kinyamatama, however, insists she is still an NRM member only that she chose to run as an independent candidate last year, after she was unfairly dropped as a flag bearer during the disputed party’s electoral processes.
She claimed that independents who were NRM leaning in the 10th Parliament were never denied opportunities to participate in the party activities such as caucus and wondered why they are now being blocked.
“I am NRM. I came to Parliament on an Independent ticket but after juggling the NRM primaries because of the issues that everyone saw. We have never been denied opportunities in NRM. We go to Kyankwanzi and attend caucuses. I thought that it is the same culture, free and fair. If the law permits us in some areas and doesn’t permit us in other areas, it is unfair. That is a gap. I will go ahead and contest as an independent,” Ms Kinyamatama said.
The party electoral commission yesterday received two more applicants from its members including a state minister.
The State Minister for Health (General duties), Ms Robinah Nabbanja, who is seeking to run on the same ticket as deputy Speaker, promised to act as a bridge to unite MPs and other government agencies.
“We are many women with experience. I will ensure the promises government makes are fulfilled. I am tested in the party and have grown through the years. I want to bring unity between Parliament and other government arms,” Ms Nabbanja said.
She joins State Minister for Finance (Planning) David Bahati in the race.
Mr Bahati is expected to pick nomination forms today to contest for a position he attempted to get in 2016.
Mr Bahati and Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo were asked to step down for Mr Jacob Oulanyah, who is now contesting for Speaker seat with his former boss Ms Kadaga.
Mr Jacob Oboth Oboth, the former Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson, also picked forms for the deputy Speaker position yesterday.
Ms Nabbanja and Mr Oboth joined Ms Anita Among (Bukedea Woman MP) and Mr Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North) who were the first candidates to submit their credentials.
The party members eyeing Speaker and deputy Speaker seats have up to today to conclude the activity before the CEC sits tomorrow to vet the names on each of the positions before they are subjected to a vote during the caucus meeting expected on Sunday.
Opposition
Opposition deputy Speaker candidates are Dennis Oguzu, (Maracha County, FDC), Muhammad Nsereko(Kampala Central, Ind) and Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South,Ind).
