Government Chief Whip, Thomas Tayebwa has revealed that he will not contest for the position of speaker as had been speculated.
“I wish to thank you Honourable colleagues for the calls you have made to me to contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament after the unfortunate passing of our senior Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah. This shows you appreciate the work we are doing and it energises us to do more. However, i want to inform you that I WILL NOT BE EXPRESSING INTEREST FOR THE POSITION OF SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT.” Tayebwa wrote on his official twitter handle.
Adding, “I call on honourable colleagues members of Parliament and the nation to remain united as we mourn our fallen hero.”
However, Speaking to one of the local TV station, Parliamentary Commissioner, Solomon Silwany noted that they are to request Tayebwa to vie for the deputy speakership if it fells vacant.
The office of the speaker fell vacant after speaker Jacob Oulanyah died over the weekend in Seattle, USA.
Under the law, no business can be conducted in the House when the office of the speaker is vacant.
Speaking to media on Monday, the Minister for ICT, Chris Baryomunsi noted that the election of the speaker will be held on Friday March 25.