I want to promote the independence of Parliament. My role will not be to fight any arm of government but bringing harmony by working together.
Bukedea Woman MP, Anita Annet Among is the official flag bearer of the ruling political party, NRM, in deputy speakership race after polling the highest number of votes in the party’s parliamentary caucus on Sunday evening.
She garnered 186 votes (51.4%), followed by Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa who polled 149 votes (45.6%) and Gomba West legislator Robinah Rwakoojo who only managed 10 votes (3.1%).
Among was the first legislator from the NRM to formally express interest in the position on Wednesday before five candidates including Tayebwa, Rwakoojo, Robinah Nabbanja, Theodore Ssekikubo and Jacob Oboth-Oboth would later do the same.
CEC, the topmost policy organ of the party on Sunday settled for the trio whom it offered to Caucus for selection.
“I therefore declare Among Anita Annet who has polled the highest number of votes (168) representing 51.4% as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament,” declared Dr Tanga Odoi on Sunday.
Among told journalists on Wednesday after handing in her expression of interest letter that she had no objection to the process the party undertook in getting flag bearers for the two positions.
“CEC is the topmost policy organ of the party and I have no problem with what they are doing. I respect the decisions that CEC is taking and we are abiding by them as candidates,” Among said.
She pledged to promote independence of parliament, good governance and improving the welfare of lawmakers if she becomes deputy speaker.
“I want to promote the independence of Parliament. My role will not be to fight any arm of government but bringing harmony by working together,” noted Among
“We need good governance. As a country, we need somebody who can conduct that house to promote good governance and also to promote the welfare of MPs. We have 529 of them coming different parts of the country and they need to be supported to be able to run their constituencies and promote the image of parliament as well,” she added..well,” she added..