According to reliable sources, Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has set today, Tuesday March 22, as the deadline for expressing interest in the job of Speaker of Parliament following the death of Jacob Oulanyah.
On Wednesday, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) will meet, followed by a caucus on Thursday.
According to sources, the Speaker election will take place on Friday.
This was verified by Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, when speaking to the press in Kampala.
“At today’s Cabinet meeting, which was led by President Museveni at State House Entebbe, it was decided that Parliament of Uganda will assemble on Friday, March 25, 2022 to fill the position of a Speaker,” he stated.
In a previous statement, Government Chief Whip and NRM Parliamentary Caucus chairperson Thomas Tayebwa said he had been directed by President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM chairman, to convene a special caucus meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to discuss the Speaker’s issue.
“The Covid-19 test is needed of all members. This procedure will take place at Parliamentary Conference Hall on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Only members who have undergone the mandated service provider’s exam at the Parliamentary Conference Hall will be allowed to attend the caucus,” Mr Tayebwa said in a statement released Monday afternoon.
On Sunday evening, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo is alleged to have departed Seattle, Washington, where Oulanyah died. Dollo, who is constitutionally required to conduct the Speaker election, is said to have left behind Norbert Mao, the head of the Democratic Party (DP), who is likely to return with Oulanyah’s body.