The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of 11th Parliament has kicked off at Kololo independence grounds.
The election of the speaker and deputy speaker is presided over by the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo.
Speaking at Kololo, Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo told legislators that the purpose of the first session of the first sitting of the 11th parliament is to elect a speaker of this parliament and the constitution provides that the President will administer the oath of the new speaker.
“You are welcome and congratulations to you all MPs on your election to the 11th Parliament. You were declared winner in your respective constituencies. Some of you are in familiar territory but for a greater number, is your first time,” he said.
“The election of the speaker will be conducted in an open manner. All candidates will have their agents to ensure that, there is no opportunity to give credibility to any unfounded allegations,” he said.
According to article 81(4) of this Constitution, no business shall be transacted in Parliament other than an election to the office of Speaker at any time that office is vacant. Article 82 (2), the Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be elected by members of Parliament from among their number. A person shall not be qualified to be elected a Speaker or Deputy Speaker if he or she is a Vice President or a Minister.
The speakership race has attracted three candidates who include the former speaker Rebecca Kadaga parliament, former deputy speaker Jacob Oulanyah and Kira municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda.
The Omoro County MP Jacob Oulanyah was nominated by Isingiro North MP Rtd Col. Bright Rwamirama and seconded by Oyam South MP, Betty Amongi.
Kira Municipality MP was nominated by Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and seconded by Soroti Division East MP Attia Moses. Kamuli Woman MP who is also the incumbent was nominated by Luuka South MP, Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo and seconded by Busia Municipality MP, Geofrey Macho.
The deputy and Speaker of Parliament is mandated to carry out a number of duties, and key among them include presiding at any sitting of the House, preserving order and decorum in the House and making pronouncements on questions of order and practice.
