Dr. Baryomunsi
ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has protested reports that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has endorsed Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa for second terms as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
According to reports, the CEC, during a sitting on Tuesday, endorsed Among, the Bukedea Woman MP-elect, and Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North MP-elect, to retain their respective positions when the new Parliament convenes.
However, the move has drawn criticism from within the party.
Kyotera MP-elect Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who also serves as NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda and State Minister for Microfinance, opposed Among’s second term, accusing her of politically fighting him during the just-concluded elections without justification.
Dr. Baryomunsi, a former CEC member, questioned both the process and timing of the reported endorsement, arguing that it undermines internal party democracy.
“I hope this is not true. All of us who have been elected to the 12th Parliament are eligible to contest for the Speakership. Why would CEC be in a hurry to endorse our Speakers when no call for expression of interest has been issued by the party? No to such bad decisions,” Baryomunsi said.
The reported endorsement has sparked debate within the ruling party, with some legislators warning that premature backing of candidates for top parliamentary positions could fuel internal divisions ahead of the formal election of parliamentary leadership.
About The Author
