Rwakoojo pitches parliamentary experience in deputy speakership bid

KAMPALA - The race for Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament has gained further momentum with the entry of veteran legislator and lawyer Robina Rwakoojo, the Woman MP for Gomba West.

Rwakoojo’s bid comes at a time when the contest for the top parliamentary leadership positions has intensified following major political shifts within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Several legislators have already expressed interest in the deputy speakership position. This follows the withdrawal of the outgoing Speaker, Anita Among, who had been endorsed by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Her withdrawal has reopened the race for both the speakership and deputy speakership, positions that had earlier appeared settled following endorsement by the ruling National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee.

Several politicians are now openly expressing interest in the deputy speakership amid uncertainty surrounding the political future of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Those reportedly eyeing the position include Jackson Kafuuzi, Adrine Mwebesa Katusiime, Jovrine Kyomukama Kaliisa, Dennis Namara, Mary Kamuli Kuteesa and Sarah Babirye.

Rwakoojo said her longstanding legal experience vis-à-vis proceedings in the House complements her understanding and conduct of parliamentary business in several aspects.

Rwakoojo said she joined the race because, as a seasoned legal mind with deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and governance, she has the expertise to steer the House to greater heights.

“A lawyer and an advocate of the courts, my legal background, coupled with my long span of service of over 20 years in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where I rose to the position of Acting Director of Civil Litigation, gives me enormous experience that Parliament needs,” she told New Vision.

Before joining elective politics, Rwakoojo served for decades in the legal service, handling government litigation and constitutional matters, experiences that her supporters argue prepared her for legislative leadership.

She entered Parliament during the 10th Parliament, where she served as Deputy Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for three years.

In the 11th Parliament, she later became chairperson of the same committee, overseeing critical legislative business and scrutiny of constitutional and legal reforms.

She said the combination of legal expertise and parliamentary leadership places her in a strong position to preside over House business.

“All these experiences give me the legal knowledge and expertise necessary in steering the House as Deputy Speaker,” she said.

She described herself as “God-fearing, calm, determined, loyal, honest and accountable,” qualities she said are essential for managing parliamentary debates and maintaining order in the House.

She said her understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures gives her an added advantage at a time when Parliament is expected to handle complex legislative and accountability matters.

“I understand the procedures that govern sittings of Parliament, and my legal knowledge and experience give me a clear understanding of proceedings and rules of procedure,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker plays a central role in presiding over parliamentary sittings in the absence of the Speaker, supervising committees and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules and procedures.