Ovonji Bid For EALA Deputy Speaker Backed

By Hamis Kaheru UGANDA’S representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly yesterday resolved to back Irene Ovonji Odida for Deputy Speaker of the regional Parliament. Sources said the nine legislators made the resolution at a meeting they held at Parliament building yesterday. Lydia Wanyoto, Sheila Kawamara, Mugisha Muntu, Capt. Richard Ddudu, Wandera Ogalo, Yona Kanyomozi, Sarah Bagalaaliwo, Medi Kaggwa and Ovonji were elected on Thursday. “The decision to start grooming Irene (Ovonji Odida) was unanimous. We are going to lobby our counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania who are mostly men,” the source said. The meeting was called to discuss a common strategy ahead of EALA inauguration on November 30. Presidents Yoweri Museveni, Daniel arap Moi and Benjamin Mkapa will preside over the inauguration in Arusha. The source said the legislators intend to move a private members Bill to create the post of Deputy Speaker currently not provided for under the treaty. “Uganda cannot produce the Speaker since the Secretary General (Amanya Mushega) is a Ugandan,” the source said. Ends