FDC’S Ssemujju bounce back

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party Spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is back to the dance floor, seeking to attain Parliament’s top seat as Speaker.

The latest is the Kira Municipality Membr of Parliament, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, has come out to declare his interest in contesting for the office in the 11th parliament if other opposition candidates fail to stand.

Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, who presided over that election in the 11th parliament, declared Jacob Oulanyah the winner after he garnered 310 votes in the election.Ssemujju however came in third place after Rebecca Kadaga with only just 15 votes. Two votes were declared invalid.

Ssemujju who lost miserably in the previous elections on May 24 race to NRM candidate the deceased Oulanyah believes Mp’s in the opposition can make a mark this time round.

Speaking about the matter, Ssemujju said he is glad this forthcoming process will be short lived.

 

“The last time I competed for a speakership position, it was a very bruising time that the parliament wouldn’t want to go through that again. I also gave reasons ,that the opposition must provide candidates for both Spaeker and Deputy. I think seasoned Lawyers like Nuwagaba, Abdul Katuntu,Medard Ssegona and Asuman Basalirwa can do this, That’s why I offered myself,” he said.

He however said the Opposition are in talks and will probably front one candidate by close of business tomorrow.

“We are in discussion, I hope it goes well,and we don’t have to be confused, I want a Speaker with quality of debate and administration of Parliament,“he said further

FDC’S Ssemujju bounce back

Meanwhile ,Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Asuman Basalirwa has also expressed interest in the same race.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is vying for the Speaker position. Among on Tuesday morning sent her personal visitant Mary Athiela with paperwork expressing interest in replacing her fallen predecessor Jacob Oulanyah. According to her personal assistant Athiela, Among failed to present her paperwork in person because of medical reasons.

According to rules of procedure, when the Speaker-ship seat falls vacant, Members of Parliament are required to vote a replacement in the next sitting.

Article 82(4) provides that subject to Clause (4) of Article 81 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”.

The election, under the circumstances, will be presided over by the Chief Justice or a judge designated by the Chief Justice, until the new speaker takes an oath. Therefore, Members of Parliament are expected to seat on Tuesday, March 29, to elect the new speaker of Parliament.

Another Candidate who has expressed interest in the race is Jackson Kafuzi , the Deputy Attorney general who expressed interest in the position ion Tuesday at 12:00 pm.