Health Minister Dr Ruth Aceng Withdraws from Speaker Race

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has withdrawn her interest in the speakership race shortly after being nominated.

Her withdrawal is contained in a March 22 letter addressed to the ruling National Resistance (NRM) party Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr Tanga Odoi.

“I’ve taken a decision to withdraw my intention to stand for the position of speaker of parliament. I feel its only proper that I step down,” she noted.

“I have not had enough time to consult my party leadership, colleagues and family,” Aceng wrote, adding that she would “continue serving diligently in her current capacity as health minister”.

On Tuesday, Aceng and 13 NRM party MPs declared their intentions to replace deceased Speaker Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah.

MPs will vote for a new speaker on March 25, 2022.

NRM MPs who expressed interest in the position of Speaker include; incumbent parliament Deputy Speaker Anita Among, Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, Arua Central MP Jackson Atima, Dokolo South County MP Felix Okot Ogong, Lwemiyaga County House representative Theodre Ssekikubo, West Budama South MP Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Kagoma North legislator Alex Kintu Brandon, State minister for Sports, Denis Hamson Obua, Masindi District Woman MP Florence Akiiki and Bugahya County MP Pius Wakabi Rujumba.

Only two opposition MPs Asuman Basalirwa and Ssemujju Nganda have openly expressed interest for speakership while Charles Ttebandeke has his eyes set on the deputy speakership position.