The Omoro County MP Jacob Oulanyah has handed over office following the expiry of his term as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Oulanyah who is yet to be sworn in, was elected the Deputy Speaker on May 19, 2016 and today marked five years in office.
“Today is my last day as a Member of Parliament according to article 77:3 of the constitution and per article 82:7(d), I cease being deputy speaker of parliament. It has been a great experience, one of many lessons and growth. An absolute honor to have served,” he said.
He also handed over a government car which was accorded to him at the beginning of his term. “This car is government property and my term expired today. I cannot continue holding onto government property when I’m no longer Deputy Speaker,” he said earlier today.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice Chairman for Northern Uganda is now focusing on occupying the top most seat in the August House.
He will be competing against Rebecca Kadaga who is seeking reelection, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Semujju Nganda and Rakai District Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama.
Recently, Kadaga and Oulanyah have been embroiled in a cold war, hurling insults at each other. Last month, Kadaga labeled her deputy a coward, noting that during the age limit debate Oulanyah called her and said there was something he couldn’t handle and she came in straight into fire as the Deputy ran away.
In retaliation the deputy speaker said his boss lost support and she should not be campaigning if she has support of the 300 MPs as she alleges.
The two and others are expected to pick express of interest nomination forms from the electoral commission of their mother party, NRM. The NRM MPs will therefore proceed to choose who will represent them in the Speakership race.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled to take place on the 24th May 2021 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
