Barely three days to the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, a political contest is gaining momentum in West Nile as NRM and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) supporters rally behind Terego Woman MP Rose Obigah’s bid for the Deputy Speaker position.
Obigah, who declared her candidature two weeks ago, has been campaigning on a platform of promoting a people-centered Parliament and fighting corruption. Her bid has triggered heightened political mobilization in the region, with supporters urging both the ruling party and opposition MPs to back her candidacy.
Speaking at a press briefing in Arua City on Thursday afternoon, supporters drawn from different parts of West Nile called on the region’s 32 MPs, NRM legislators nationwide, and opposition members to support Obigah’s bid. They argued that her five-year parliamentary experience, outspoken leadership style, and role in mobilizing support for President Yoweri Museveni in West Nile merit her elevation to a national leadership position.
Rasul Osuga, the Speaker of Arua Central Division, said Obigah’s integrity and performance in the 11th Parliament had strengthened their push for her candidature.
Victor Lomori Vidal, an NRM supporter from Obongi, said Obigah deserves to be rewarded for her service in the previous Parliament. Rashid Oshino, another supporter from Maracha, said Obigah’s vocal leadership makes her suitable for the Deputy Speaker role and urged MPs to consider her candidacy.
Some supporters also appealed directly to President Yoweri Museveni and First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to reconsider earlier political signals and back Obigah for the position.
Obigah’s campaign comes in the wake of political statements attributed to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsing former Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain his position under the incoming Parliament. Earlier this month, Pakwach MP Martial Alenyo also declared interest in the Deputy Speaker race, setting the stage for a competitive contest within the ruling party and beyond.
Obigah, who is currently in Kampala, is reportedly intensifying behind-the-scenes consultations with MPs ahead of the NRM Caucus meeting scheduled for Sunday, which is expected to determine the party’s official position on the Speakership and Deputy Speakership of the 12th Parliament-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
