Persis Namuganza has formally entered the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament after submitting her expression of interest to the ruling National Resistance Movement Electoral Commission, adding a fresh twist to the fast-moving contest for one of Uganda’s most powerful political offices.
Namuganza was among several Members of Parliament who turned up at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Saturday to express interest in the Speakership following the party’s call for nominations after the race was reopened.
Her bid was backed by a formal letter dated May 22 and addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in his capacity as National Chairman of the NRM, the party Electoral Commission and the Secretary General.
In the letter, Namuganza said she was formally expressing interest in contesting for Speaker of the 12th Parliament and requested the party leadership to receive her candidature for consideration by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
She argued that although she was elected to Parliament as an independent MP representing Bukono County in Namutumba District, she remains “steadfastly NRM-leaning” and supportive of the party’s ideals and leadership.
Namuganza also referenced President Museveni’s recent remarks at Kyankwanzi welcoming NRM-leaning independent legislators to participate in party activities, saying the Speakership race is one of the areas where such cooperation should be reflected.
“I humbly request the party leadership to accept my candidature as an NRM-leaning candidate so that I’m given the opportunity to serve my country in the national assembly,” she wrote.
A couple of days ago, the CEC endorsed Oboth-Oboth for the post and Thomas Tayebwa for deputy. NRM EC boss Tanga Odoi, says her issue will be referred to the CEC.
Her entry now places another name before the NRM’s top decision-making organ, with the Central Executive Committee expected to sit today to deliberate on candidates seeking the party’s endorsement ahead of Monday’s Speakership election.
The contest was reopened after Speaker Anita Among withdrew from the race, prompting CEC to revisit its earlier position and invite fresh expressions of interest from party members and NRM-leaning legislators. Namuganza’s bid now adds another layer to an already tense and closely watched succession battle within the ruling party.
