West Nile Caucus pushes for bigger share in 12th Parliament leadership

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The West Nile Parliamentary Caucus has called for greater representation in the leadership of the 12th Parliament and government, arguing that the sub-region has capable, experienced and reliable leaders who deserve to occupy top national positions.

Speaking on May 23, 2026, at Parliament, the chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus and Obongi County MP, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, said on behalf of the caucus that the region has a long history of service and remains committed to contributing to Uganda’s social, political and economic development.

“This caucus has a vision, it has a history, and it has a mission for the 12th Parliament,” Fungaroo said as he pledged to work with other parliamentary caucuses in pursuit of what he described as the common good of Ugandans.

Fungaroo described West Nilers as “reliable, committed and honest people,” saying the region has consistently produced disciplined leaders who perform well whenever entrusted with responsibility.

“If you want people who are reliable, who are committed to the cause, then you come here. This is the place West Nile is at,” he said.

The caucus leadership made the remarks at a time when Parliament is preparing to elect its Speaker and Deputy Speaker before the formation of committees and eventually the Executive arm of government.

Fungaroo used the occasion to openly front Terego District Woman MP Rose Obiga, who has expressed interest in the Deputy Speaker position.

He described Obiga as “energetic, focused and with a good record,” saying she is capable of effectively serving as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

“West Nile has offered candidates, and particularly we have Honourable Rose Obiga, a young lady willing and ready to perform the roles of Deputy Speaker,” Fungaroo said.

Fungaroo, however, noted that the fate of candidates seeking leadership positions now rests with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus, which is expected to harmonise and front official candidates ahead of the Monday, May 25, 2026, vote.

“As far as I am concerned, being a voter myself, when the NRM presents Rose Obiga as a candidate, the people who know the reliability and commitment of West Nilers will give her the vote,” he added.

Obiga herself has been vocal in defending her candidature, arguing that the deputy speakership should remain in the hands of a woman as Uganda continues to champion gender inclusion and affirmative action.

“Women form 51.4% of the population of this country, and women vote religiously. Therefore, women deserve better,” Obiga recently said while defending her bid.

She also argued that West Nile deserves recognition for its contribution to the country, particularly in hosting refugees and supporting the ruling party during recent elections.

“West Nile has contributed so much to this country. This is the time to pay Terego,” Obiga said.

Beyond the deputy speakership, the West Nile Caucus also appealed to both the ruling party and opposition leadership to consider legislators from the region for committee chairperson positions in the 12th Parliament.

Fungaroo specifically mentioned accountability committees such as the Public Accounts Committee and COSASE, saying West Nile MPs have the competence and integrity required to lead them effectively.

The caucus chairperson further appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to include more leaders from West Nile in Cabinet, saying the region has long remained underrepresented despite having qualified professionals.

“There is no single person from West Nile holding a position of permanent secretary in a ministry,” Fungaroo said, describing the situation as unfortunate given the number of educated and experienced people from the region.

He added that West Nile remains strategically important to Uganda because of its location bordering South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as its role in hosting refugees.

“West Nile is full of talented, highly educated and disciplined people,” he said.

The caucus also pledged to work closely with development partners and international organisations in advancing the region’s strategic development agenda over the next five years.