Tayebwa Warns Against Opposition Taking Speakership
What you did not know
- “It would be politically dangerous and suicidal for the NRM to surrender the Speakership to the opposition,” Tayebwa said.
Rukiga -Uganda. Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has warned that handing the Speakership of Parliament to the opposition would weaken the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and potentially destabilise government operations.
Tayebwa made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the burial of Noreda Bangirana, the mother of State Minister for Health (General Duties) Hanifa Kawooya, in Rukiga District. The ceremony was attended by several government officials, political leaders, and members of the local community.
According to Tayebwa, the NRM must retain leadership of Parliament’s top positions to ensure stability and effective governance.
“It would be politically dangerous and suicidal for the NRM to surrender the Speakership to the opposition,” Tayebwa said.
He argued that key parliamentary leadership positions should remain under the ruling party to maintain cohesion between Parliament and the Executive arm of government. Tayebwa expressed confidence that both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions will remain in the hands of the NRM.
Tayebwa further cautioned against determining parliamentary leadership through cross-party arrangements, saying such decisions could create divided loyalties.
“If the Speaker is required to consult their party caucus on issues that contradict government priorities, it could destabilise governance,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also called on newly elected Members of Parliament to support the NRM leadership structure, urging those aspiring to hold sensitive parliamentary offices to first align themselves with the ruling party.
Tayebwa reiterated his support for the current Speaker, Anita Among, to retain her position, while signalling his interest in continuing as Deputy Speaker. He praised his working relationship with Among, noting that their cooperation has helped reduce internal conflicts within Parliament.
Despite maintaining a firm position on parliamentary leadership, Tayebwa acknowledged existing cooperation between the NRM and other political parties, including the Democratic Party. However, he emphasised that such cooperation should not extend to surrendering key leadership positions.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, revealed that the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) has already endorsed Tayebwa for the Deputy Speaker position.
“CEC has agreed to support Tayebwa for the Deputy Speaker position. The people of Banyakigezi are proud of him and want him to retain that office,” Musasizi said.
Musasizi added that the people of Kigezi are happy to see one of their own holding a high national office.
“We are happy seeing our own coming to Kigezi with a lead car. The Banyakigezi want the Deputy Speaker position and we shall support you because CEC has also agreed to do so,” he added.
Speaking about her late mother, Minister Hanifa Kawooya described Bangirana, who died at the age of 99, as a respected community figure.
“My mother was a hero in our community and played a big role in guiding families and promoting unity,” Kawooya said.
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