In recent days, the political landscape in Uganda has been stirred by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsing Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among as Speaker of the 12th Parliament and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as her deputy. While these are familiar names in our political discourse, I feel compelled as a media practitioner and keen observer of our democratic processes to raise a concern that resonates with many citizens: Shouldn’t Members of Parliament themselves have the liberty to elect their leadership?
Democracy thrives not when decisions are handed down from committees, but when they are debated, contested, and ultimately decided by those directly involved. Parliament is not merely a body to rubber-stamp decisions; it is the heartbeat of our legislative democracy. By endorsing candidates before MPs have even had the opportunity to exercise their constitutional mandate, the CEC risks undermining this principle and, more subtly, the spirit of collegial accountability that ought to guide our lawmakers.
Our MPs, who have been elected by the people to represent diverse constituencies, should have the final say in who steers the business of Parliament. A free and fair election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker allows for rigorous scrutiny of candidates’ vision, capacity, and integrity. It promotes transparency and strengthens public confidence in our institutions. Endorsements, while politically convenient, can inadvertently create a sense of pre-determined outcomes, an impression that democracy is more about hierarchy than choice.
I hold no personal opposition to Rt. Hon. Annet Among or Rt. Hon. Tayebwa. On the contrary, they have served Uganda with distinction. My concern lies with the process. By allowing MPs to vote freely, the NRM and the larger Ugandan political community demonstrate faith in our democracy, not merely in a select few.
Leadership is earned, not assigned. By giving MPs the space to elect their Speaker and Deputy, we send a message that Uganda’s Parliament is a house of ideas, debate, and accountability, an institution that belongs to its people, not just to party committees.
As a citizen and media practitioner from Rukungiri, I urge the NRM leadership to reconsider its approach. Let us uphold the democratic ethos by empowering MPs to choose their leaders. Let us preserve the sanctity of Parliament not just in name, but in the spirit of democratic choice and representation.
By; Bob Rumanzi, Media Practitioner, Rukungiri
