Ruhinda North MP and former Government Chief Whip, Hon Thomas Tayebwa has been overwhelmingly elected as Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament following the resignation of Rt.Hon Anitta Among. He got 379 against Okot P’Bitek’s 82 votes.
Tayebwa, 40, replaces Anita Among, who was earlier elected speaker to replace the late Jacob Oulanyah.
Hon. Thomas Tayebwa pictured with his predecessor Rt Hon Anita Amongduring the NRM caucus meeting on Thursday.
The Ruhinda North MP’s political career traces back to the year 2006 when he stood for Youth parliamentary elections on FDC ticket but lost.
In 2016, he retreated and came back under NRM party representing Ruhinda North, Mitooma district. He served as member of National Economy Committee and Natural Resources Committee 2016 to 2021.
In 2021, he was elected back to parliament representing the same constituency and in May same year, he was appointed the government chief whip by President Museveni, a position he has held until today when he became duly elected the Deputy Speaker of 11th Parliament.
Although no confirmation has been made, Oulanyah’s body is expected back into the country this weekend.
Bukedea District Woman MP and former deputy speaker of 11th parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has on Friday been duly elected Speaker of the 11th parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
In a special sitting that took place at the monumental Kololo Independence Grounds, a total of 468 MPs voted, NRM’s Anita Among garnered 401 votes while her rival, opposition-backed Hon. Asuman Basalirwa got 66 votes and one Invalid vote was registered.
The ceremony that was graced by President Museveni, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, members of parliament and several other dignitaries saw Hon. Anita Among become the second female post-independence Parliament Speaker as declared by the Chief Justice.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among swears in as the Speaker-elect before President Museveni and the Chief Justice, Owiny-Dollo.
Among was on Wednesday endorsed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus after the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the top organ of the party nominated accepted her candidature in the speakership race.
“In Hon. Anita Among, we have a leader who’s tested. Her manner in handling Parliament is beyond reproach. It’s on record that Anita has presided over programmes intended to help the poor. Memebers, I seek your support to vote Anita” said Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja upon nomination.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja(right) endorsing Rt. Hon. Anita Among(left) for the Speakership position.
“I thank all MPs who have taken time to be part of this democratic process. I appreciate the 66 members of Parliament that have bestowed upon me the title of shadow Speaker, although it’s not provided for in the rules of procedure,” said Asuman Basalirwa as he conceded defeat.
Bugiri Municipality legislator giving his remarks as he conceded defeat.
Hon. Adolf Mwesige, the Clerk to Parliament, thereby declared the seat of Deputy Speaker of Parliament vacant. The ruling NRM party will be fronting Hon. Thomas Tayembwa who will face opposition’s Okot P’Bitek Moses.
Article 82 (2) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Article 82 (4) of the 1995 Constitution refrains Parliament from conducting any other business other than the election of the Speaker at any time that office is vacant.
The position of the Speaker fell vacant following the demise of the Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who died on 20th March 2022 in Seattle, USA where he was admitted in February this year. Oulanyah’s body is expected to be repatriated this week.
MTN Foundation hands over a newly constructed classroom block and staff quarters to Bigodi Secondary School and Rwengobe Primary School in Kamwenge District.
The UGX350million project was funded by MTN Foundation and implemented through Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), a non-government organization and is dedicated to improving access to quality education in Uganda.
The 3-classsroom block constructed by MTN Foundation to create learning space for children at Bigodi Secondary School in Kamwenge district
Under this project, MTN Foundation constructed and furnished a 3-classroom block for the students at Bigodi Secondary School while Rwengobe Primary School received newly constructed staff quarters with the capacity to accommodate 6 teaching staff and the Head Master of the institution.
Staff quarters constructed by MTN Foundation at Rwengobe Primary School in Kamwenge District to ease teachers’ access to the learning institution.
Speaking at the official handover of the schools in Kamwenge, Wim Vanhelleputte, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, said; “We believe that this classroom block will alleviate challenges of congestion and limited learning space for the students while also creating an enabling environment for learning. Through this project, MTN also hopes to create positive impact with ripple effects culminating into the social and economic development of the country.”
By undertaking this initiative, MTN is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Uganda to continually support and contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country through Infrastructure development.
In a bid to extend quality maternal health care services to the people, MTN Foundation handed over a newly refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III in Mbulamuti sub-county, Kamuli district.
MTN Foundation, through Joint Medical Stores in 2020 refurbished and equipped Mother Kevin health centre III which had been non-operational for 10 years, due to lack of medical equipment and it is now set to kick-start operations at the facility.
The project which will benefit over 30,000 patients cost UGX122million focusing on equipping the labour ward with items like; delivery beds, medicine trolleys, baby resuscitators, suction pump, catheter, patient beds in the maternity ward, oxygen cylinder and regulator.
Some of the equipment that MTN Foundation donated to Mother Kelvin Health Centre III to enable it provide medical support to over 30,000 people in the region.
Through this project, MTN Foundation also constructed sanitary facilities such as a placenta pit and lavatories for the health centre. The laboratory, post natal ward, store and doctor’s room were among others also equipped.
Speaking during the official handover of the facility held today at Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli, the MTN General Manager for Customer Experience, Dorcas Muhwezi said that the project was driven by the telecom’s vision to improve the livelihood of the communities in which it operates.
Dorcas Muhwezi, the MTN General Manager for Customer Experience speaking during the official handover of the facility held at Mother Kevin health centre III in Kamuli.
“MTN sought to empower the hardworking staff of Mother Kevin health centre III in order to provide safe and quality health care to the people in Kamuli and the surrounding districts. This initiative supports our commitment to improving the livelihoods of the communities in which we operate,” said Muhwezi.
Robert Mutemo, the Resident District Commissioner, Kamuli district, applauded the MTN Foundation for the impact that it has created in the district saying MTN has over the years continually demonstrated a fondness for the Busoga sub-region through the numerous donations and CSR activities undertaken to improve the livelihood of the people in Busoga.
Dr. Bildard Baguma, the Executive director Joint Medical Stores, said this project is testament that combined efforts culminate into great achievements.
In 2020, MTN also signed a 2-year partnership with the Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga Kingdom worth UGX 600 million with focus on the kingdom’s social, cultural, and economic programs in the areas of health, sports, and culture.
Uganda’s army on Wednesday signaled a diplomatic plan to end the resurgent deadly attacks by armed cattle rustlers in the troubled Karamoja Sub-region.
This follows an incident where bodies of two UPDF soldiers and three geologists were on Tuesday recovered by security forces in a joint search operation after they were ambushed and killed by suspected armed cattle rustlers in Moroto District.
UPDF soldiers are among the security operatives moving to intensify operations to eliminate armed cattle rustlers in the Karamoja Sub-region to curb the growing insecurity concerns. (Courtesy Photo)
Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force(UPDF) has through his twitter handle sounded a thorough warning to the rustlers; “My Karimajong brothers! We have begged you to stop attacking your neighbours but no avail! You have refused all our appeals! Well, now we are coming and hell is coming with us!”
Lt. Gen. Muhoozi’s comment on Twitter.
“Karimojong killed my soldiers in cold blood! There will be hell to pay for that!! If they want to avoid retribution, they better get in touch with our RDCs and commanders in the region NOW!! Otherwise, let us see who the real men are!” he added.
Lt. Gen. Muhoozi’s comment on Twitter.
UPDF has for long struggled to encourage armed cattle rustlers to abandon their activities but conservative estimates show the criminals have through persistent raids claimed almost 50 civilian lives and close to ten security officers in the last three months.
Almost every week, hundreds of animals are reported stolen across the Karamoja Sub region- even after UPDF reinforced deployment in October 2021 to deter the criminals feared to have over 500 guns, illegally.
“They have provoked us and now we are going for them wherever they are,” UPDF 3rd division commander Brig Joseph Balikudembe told journalists on March 22. Balikudembe says UPDF accounts revealed that 251 of the rustlers operating like bandits were killed in 2021 alone, at least 1,626 suspected rustlers were arrested, 291 of whom have since been prosecuted and a total of 14,898 livestock were recovered. Security forces also recovered at least 160 guns.
Local leaders are however concerned that the insecurity in the Karamoja region has deteriorated and disrupted the peace that had been restored in 2008 after a five-year disarmament enforced by government.
500 illegal guns are estimated to still being kept by the suspected rustlers.
Territorial Police in Moroto are investigating circumstances under which 03 officials attached to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development with 02 UPDF soldiers were shot dead by a suspected joint group of Turkana and Matheniko warriors and two guns taken by the assailants.
The incident occured on Monday afternoon at Kubebe area, Lokisilei Parish, Lotisan Sub-county, Moroto District where the officials were conducting a Mineral mapping exercise in the area. The officials had been assigned to pick soil samples from Lokisilei village in Lotisan Sub County in Moroto District. They were attacked about 40 kilometers away from Moroto town.
The three officials identified as Charles Olweny (male Adult), Kigwe Richard (male Adult) all from the department of Geology and Mineral survey and Musiime Edna (female adult), an intern student from Makerere University are said to have been attacked and killed alongside their UPDF escorts who are yet to be identified.
Brig Joseph Balikudembe, the UPDF 3rd division commander, told journalists that the geologists and their security escorts were attacked “out of ignorance” by the suspected rustlers who have been wreaking havoc in the sub region for years.
He said the translator who was in the geologists’ company explained to the suspected armed rustlers their mission but his words fell on deaf ears as the assailants opened fire at them.
“The translator managed to flee to his safety but the geologists being new on the ground had no option but to accept to be killed in cold blood, “he said Balikudembe.
AIP Longole Mike, the Ag. PRO Mt. Moroto revealed in a statement that the bodies of the deceased had been conveyed to Moroto Regional Referral Hospital mortuary where the postmortem has since been done, adding that the scene is yet to be revisited by a team of investigators.
“Other Proceedings will be communicated in due course as Joint security forces are committed in ensuring that the perpetrators of this incident are brought to book and two guns added to wrong hands will be recovered,” said Longole.
Balikudembe added that security forces are pursuing the assailants and that they will be apprehended because they can easily be tracked.
The motive of this incident is still a question of investigation.
On Tuesday, the ruling NRM electoral commission started receiving expression of interest forms from party MPs willing to be the NRM flag bearer vying to replace Oulanyah as the next speaker of the 11th parliament, the 13 legislators expressed interest. These include;
1. Current Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Among who picked her forms through her personal Assistant, Athiena Mary.
Having chaired over 76 sittings because the Speaker fell ill shortly after occupying the office, several NRM MPs were today filmed rallying behind the Anita Among as their potential candidate for speakership.
The West Budama Central MP, also state minister for defence and veteran affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth.
“I am humble and I strongly believe in God, I’m doing this to avoid meeting Oulanyah one time and he says; why didn’t you try? I am availing myself. Nobody can ever be like Jacob Oulanyah but I have the ability to fill the gap,” said Oboth.
Hon Theodore Ssekikubo, MP, the Lwemiyaga County.
“I am a member of NRM, and I appeal to my party’s CEC, President of Uganda and fellow Members of parliament and the NRM Cuacus to receive my Speakership bid,” said Ssekikubo adding that he has wide experience referring to his work as an advocate of the high court.
Also in the race is current Deputy Attorney General and Kyaka legislator Hon Jackson Kafuzi Karugaba who said he is picking inspiration from former speakers Kadaga and Oulanyah to steer the house.
Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi says he is ready to resign from his position should he be endorsed by the NRM CEC and Caucus for the Speakership race.
The Arua Central Division MP, Hon Jackson Atima Lee Buti has said the vast experience he has amassed makes him the best candidate to steer affairs of the August House through emulating speaker Jacob Oulanyah ways of handling parliamentary affairs.
“I have vast experience of work right from primary school, secondary school and at university. After graduation, I lectured at Uganda Christian University, Arua campus for three years. Parliament needs a research-based debate and it is me to do that. I feel I have capacity to drive parliament in a pro-people direction,” said Atima.
Health minister, HonJane Ruth Aceng who also the Lira City legislator has also expressed interest in becoming the next Speaker of Parliament.
Nomination forms have been picked by her personal assistant George William Ssebamala.
Hon Sarah Opendi, the Tororo Woman MP has expressed interest in being the NRM flag bearer for Speakership seat through her lawyer Mujurizi Jamil David.
Others are;
Hon Wakabi Pius, the MP Hoima City
Hon Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, the Masindi legislator
Hon Felix Okot Ogong, the legislator Dokolo district
Hon Obua Denis Hamson, the legislator for Alebtong district
Hon Kintu Alex Brandon, the Jinja legislator and;
Hon Okot John Amos, the legislator for Agago district.
Whereas the legislators from the Northern Region have been campaigning for a regional card consideration, asking that the position return to Northern Uganda, the NRM electoral commission chairperson, Dr.Tanga Odoi says after expressing interest, the names will be presented to the top organ of the party for consideration.
Meanwhile, the leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has said that the opposition will hold a meeting on Thursday to decided on the speakership race slated for Friday this week.
The position of the Speaker of Parliament fell vacant on Sunday, following the death of now-former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who died in Seattle, United States of America where he had been flown for treatment.
Uganda has been ranked the happiest nation in the East African region according to the World Happiness Report 2022 released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The World Happiness Report uses global survey data sourced from 146 countries to evaluate how people are living worldwide with focus on three main well-being indicators which included; life evaluations, positive emotions and negative emotions, has revealed that amidst the dark times of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is some light.
According to the report, Uganda ranked 117th globally with an average score of 4.6 making it the best ranked country in the East African region followed by Kenya which ranked 119th while Tanzania came third at the 139th position globally.
Meanwhile, Rwanda ranked the least happy country in the region at position 143 despite improving from position 147 registered last year.
Globally, Finland ranked the happiest nation while Afghanistan ranked the least happy country.
Whereas the date for departed Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s burial has not been set, according to the Parliamentary Pensions Act, the day Oulanyah will be buried shall be designated a public holiday.
Section 16 (d) of the Parliamentary Pensions Act sates that: “A public holiday shall be declared on the day of burial, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.”
Oulanyah died over the weekend in Seattle, USA, where he had been rushed for specialized medical attention in February 2022 becoming the first speaker of parliament in Uganda to die in office.
This stipulates benefits for the speaker and deputy speaker in the event of death or retirement which including being accorded a state funeral.
According to this same law, 30% of the gross salary of the speaker or deputy speaker shall be used towards funeral expenses.
As the highest earning MP in the House, the Speaker takes earns a gross salary of UGX 40 million per month, which brings the annual gross salary of the speaker to UGX 480 million according to sources.
This translates to UGX130 million as 30% of 480 million to cover part of Oulanyah’s funeral expenses, according to the law.
Other procedures to be followed according to the law are:
Government shall declare a mourning period.
Martial music shall be played on national radio during the mourning period.
National flags shall be flown at half- mast during the mourning period.
The casket shall be draped in the national flag.
The casket cortege shall be escorted by the Uganda Police Force in top-roof flash light vehicles.
The casket shall be carried by ceremonially uniformed pall bearers from the Uganda Police Force
The body shall lie in state for one day, for public viewing.
A condolence book shall be opened for signing by political leaders, dignitaries and the public.
An official guard shall keep vigil and a bright light shall light the casket throughout the night.
Parliament shall pay tribute to the Speaker or Deputy Speaker with a band in attendance playing dirges.
A funeral service shall be held in honour of the late Speaker or Deputy Speaker in a place of worship or in a place designated by Cabinet.
The casket shall be transported to the burial place by a hearse. At the burial, there shall be a seventeen gun salute.
Oulanyah’s Biography.
Oulanyah was born on March, 23, 1965 to Nathan L’okori and Karen Atwon in the then Gulu district.
He attended St.Joseph’s College Layibi, Dr.Obote College Boroboro and Kololo Senior Secondary School for his O and A level education.
In 1988, he joined Makerere University where he studied agricultural economics and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1991.
In 1991, he joined law school at Makerere University, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Laws degree, having earlier served as speaker of the students’ guild at the university.
He joined Law Development Centre in 1995 and obtained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice but later worked as a lecturer at LDC.
During the same time, Oulanyah began private law practice at Oulanyah, Onoria & Company Advocates and in 2001, he entered elective politics when he was elected as the Omoro County Member of Parliament as a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party ticket whereas the country was still in the movement political system.
Oulanyah also participated in the peace talks between the Ugandan government and Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army rebels.
In 2006, standing as a UPC candidate, Oulanyah was trounced in Omoro County and later that year, he quit UPC to join the ruling NRM party.
In 2011, he was re-elected as Omoro County MP in the ninth parliament on the NRM ticket and was later elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
In January 202, he was in the parliament election re-elected as Omoro County MP.
In May 2021, he was elected as Speaker of Parliament, after defeating the former Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.
On 29 January 2022, Oulanyah was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where his doctors recommended that he be flown out of Uganda for treatment over unspecified illness.
On 4 February 2022, he was flown via Iceland to Seattle, in the United States, for treatment.
On 20 March 2022, Oulanyah died in Seattle, USA.
Speaker JacobOulanyah pictured with his predecessor Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. (File photo)Speaker Jacob Oulanyah with daughter at the swearing-in ceremony at Parliament in May last year. (File Photo)Speaker Jacob Oulanyah with Hon. Anita Among, his deputy speaker at parliament. (File photo)
Police in Sembabule district is searching for unknown people who beat to death one person identified as Semwogere Anus (24).
It is alleged on Sunday evening, the OC station Asp Hiduja received information that some people were beating a thief. The OC dispatched a team but upon arrival at the scene, they only found the body of the deceased.
The police were reportedly informed that the deceased had stolen a motorcycle Bajaj boxer from the playground in the district. Upon realizing that the motorcycle was missing, the owner informed his colleagues and the Tugende Company which had loaned him the ride and they started tracking it.
The owner together with other Boda Boda riders followed the thief and caught up with him just after Kidadala trading centre where they beat him to death.
The officers picked the body and conveyed it to Ssembabule health centre IV for Postmortem.
According to Muhammad Nsubuga the Masaka regional police spokesperson, the deceased was given Bail on 10th March for similar charges of stealing a motorcycle.
