The Minister of State for Housing, Persis Namuganza, has maintained that she remains in the race for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament, noting that she was the first to declare her candidacy.
She said her ambition is driven by the need to restore the dignity and respect of Parliament, which she claims was undermined during the 11th Parliament through corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
Namuganza criticised the outgoing Parliament for what she described as poor leadership and disorder within the institution.
“The 11th Parliament has been self-centred. There has been missing money, looting of public funds and disorganisation in Parliament, right from the technical wing. You find many people sharing one office and it is difficult to know who is in charge. Parliamentary leadership has been appointing technical staff regardless of whether they are qualified or not. Positions and salaries should be guided by established public service structures, not individuals,” she said.
She pledged to promote transparency and improve the working conditions of MPs if elected Speaker.
“I want MPs to effectively carry out their oversight role while fully aware of their committee budgets. I will not sit on committee budgets like it has allegedly been done by the outgoing leadership. I do not want MPs living miserably and complaining in corridors with no one to listen to them. I want to be a Speaker for the country, focused on national issues rather than personal interests. I will not bring personal wars to the floor of Parliament or silence members who raise concerns,” Namuganza added.
Namuganza also promised to create an environment where MPs can debate freely without intimidation.
“This Parliament should be enjoyable for both legislators and Ugandans. I want quality debate where MPs confidently speak about issues affecting their constituencies and how they can be addressed nationally. I will respect MPs and ensure they are not humiliated or rebuked in the manner witnessed in the 11th Parliament. Such treatment only makes members lose confidence,” she said.
She further stated that, under her leadership, Ugandans would regain interest in parliamentary proceedings instead of switching off their televisions whenever Parliament sessions are aired.
On development priorities for her Bukono constituency, Namuganza highlighted the need for clean water, improved healthcare services, better road infrastructure and tackling youth unemployment.
“We still lack clean water and jobs for the youth. Bukono has a high population and unemployment among young people remains a major challenge. I want to support projects that can help the youth earn a living through agriculture, carpentry and other income-generating activities. I also want to follow up on road projects promised by the President and improve health centres,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Marksons Oboth, the West Budama Central MP, said he was unaware of reports that he had been endorsed as the next Speaker of Parliament by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Oboth joked that he could not confirm the endorsement because he is not active on social media.
Former Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo, however, urged Ugandans to remain patient, saying the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will determine the next Speaker of Parliament.
Speaking to journalists after taking oath as MP representing the elderly in Eastern Uganda, Opondo said the Speaker would come from the NRM regardless of endorsements from any “formation” supporting Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth.
On his priorities for elderly constituents, Opondo said he would focus on improving access to healthcare through specialised medical insurance schemes targeting common illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate complications and arthritis.
“According to the 2014 census, Ugandans aged 60 and above do not exceed 1.6 million. Many of them need support. My proposal is to promote annual medical check-ups so people know their health status early enough. Government already supports children through immunisation and women through maternal healthcare. I believe it is possible for government to provide insurance cover for common diseases affecting the elderly,” Opondo said.
