Kadaga signs Oulanyah’s condolence book

Former Speaker of the 10th Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has followed suit in signing the condolence book in honor of the her former subordinate and Late Speaker, 11th Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah

Kadaga, now the First Deputy Prime Minister told journalists at Parliament on Wednesday that the late Oulanyah was hardworking, supportive and collaborative.
She recognized his support over the last 10 years the at local level, National Assembly and the African Caribbean Pacific and EU. Kadaga explained that he also contributed a lot towards his Party the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Northern Uganda with his voice, adding that “We miss him”.
“In the book I have written that I want to thank him for the support and collaboration over the last 10 years , not only at the local level but the ACPEU, he liked doing research, enjoyed his work and was committed,” She said

At the time of his demise, the deceased was the Omoro County Member of Parliament, and also the National Vice Chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM Party. He was also the first serving speaker to die while in office.

Oulanyah as Deputy Speaker

Oulanyah, served as Deputy Speaker of the 2006 – 2016 under Rebecca Kadaga before defeating her to the same post in the 11th Parliament.

Despite being the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Oulanyah did not chair plenary sessions for more than a year in what his then boss Kadaga described as an abdication of his official duty.

He last chaired the house on February 4, 2020 as he remained in his office and constituency.

Both Kadaga and Oulanyah had for many years been in a cold war that was visible in 2013 when the the latter claimed on a radio talk show that he his boss always left him to oversee debates on controversial matters.

Oulanyah had also insisted it was time for him to steer affairs in the August House as the Speaker.

Oulanyah started underground work to reach out to the newly elected MPs ahead of the election  set for May 20, which he won.

Museveni backs Oulanyah for Speaker ship

While battling to retain her seat as Speaker of Parliament, Kadaga was hit with the news that the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) had zeroed on Jacob Oulanyah as the NRM flag bearer for the Speakership race. The CEC, which is the top organ of the ruling NRM party.

President Museveni explained reasons as to why the party’s top organ picked Oulanyah. Museveni told the NRM caucus that there has been consistency in the terms each member from the ruling party holds.

“This time round, NRM had to keep its image. In case of a norm or culture in the party, it has to be followed. The norm has been two terms for each member as Speaker of Parliament,” Museveni said.

Museveni said the position of Speaker should not be a matter of death and life, noting that it can always change hands.

Oulanyah responded, saying  he was not part of the CEC meeting that decided his fate.

“I wasn’t there when they were setting up the criteria. I presented my papers, they later called me to make my presentation and left. I heard the president talk about some of the yardsticks like loyalty and the outcome of the 2021 elections among other issues,” Oulanyah said.

In May 24, 2021 Oulanyah, was elected Speaker beating his former boss and fellow contestant Rebecca Kadaga by a big margin. Oulanyah got 310 votes, beating Kamuli Woman MP and former Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga who got 197 votes.

However, his time as the Speaker of Parliament was short lived, He only served for 9 months and 24 days.