She was elected for the position of deputy speaker last year on May 24, 2021. Thomas Tayebwa, the NRM party chief whip was also endorsed by CEC and later confirmed by the parliamentary caucus for deputy speaker. The Ruhinda North MP confirmed the development through his official tweeter handle.
“Thank you colleagues for endorsing me unopposed for deputy speaker on NRM ticket,” he said.
Tayebwa’s endorsement followed the withdrawal of the candidature of 12 other aspirants who had expressed interest in the deputy speaker seat according to a statement by the NRM CEC.
These included Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, Bungokho North MP John Faith Magolo, Worker’s MP Abdulhu Byakatonda, Kabula County MP Enos Asiimwe, Worker’s MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara, Ajuri County MP Hamson Denis Obua, Labwor County MP Norman Ocher, Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber, Kinkizi East MP James Kaberuka, West Budama North East Fox Odoi and Agago North North MP John Amos Okot.
Helen Auma, the Busia Woman MP said that they are ready to support their candidates as endorsed by the party structures. The Constitution provides that no business shall be transacted in parliament other than the election of speaker at any time that office is vacant.
Both Among and Tayebwa were previously members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) before joining the ruling party.
They will now contest against opposition candidates in the race. Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa was endorsed to contest for speaker position while Kioga County MP, Moses Okot Bitek is to contest for deputy speaker.
The ruling NRM party has majority MPs in the 11th parliament totalling 336 while the opposition has 109 MPs. Tomorrow Friday, the MPs will converge at Kololo Independence grounds to elect the new speaker.
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