Ssekandi, Kadaga Elected Speakers

EDWARD Ssekandi, the MP for Bukoto Central and former deputy Speaker of the Sixth Parliament, was yesterday elected unopposed as Speaker of the Seventh Parliament. Joyce Namutebi and Richard Mutumba report that parliamentary affairs minister Rebecca Kadaga, resigned from her position yesterday to contest for the post of deputy Speaker. She was elected unopposed. Aggrey Awori (Samia Bugwe North) was the first MP-elect to speak in the Seventh Parliament when he asked Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki whether it was in order to use the unapproved Interim Rules of Procedure instead of the rules the Sixth Parliament used. Odoki said it was in order unless proved otherwise. Ssekandi was declared Speaker by Odoki at about 2:56pm amid clapping and foot stamping from MPs. The new Parliament was sitting for the first time. Ssekandi hugged some members who had occupied the front bench as he proceeded to take the oath before a fully packed House. MPs who did not get seats stood throughout the ceremony while backbenchers occupied seats for ministers. Beatrice Kiraso (Kabarole woman) moved a motion for the nomination of Ssekandi seconded by state minister for communication Andruale Awuzu. Buzaaya MP Isaac Musumba nominated Kadaga. Ssekandi said, "I am overwhelmed by the collective confidence you have expressed in me by electing me Speaker of the Seventh Parliament of the Republic of Uganda. "I will serve this Parliament deligently and be a Speaker for all, paying utmost regard to the principle of separation of powers between the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature," he said. Kadaga promised to work without fear, favour or discrimination. All ex-officio members and ministers who did not stand and who lost elections did not attend Parliament. Ends