Uganda: Bulambuli MP Biara Defends Deputy Speaker Bid

Bulambuli County MP Emmanuel Biara has defended his candidacy for Deputy Speaker in the upcoming 12th Parliament, emphasizing his commitment to community empowerment, people-centred leadership, and constructive democratic competition.

Speaking to Canary Mugume on Next Big Talk aired on Next Radio on Tuesday, Biara highlighted his ongoing contributions to education, revealing that he personally sponsors 58 high-performing students in his constituency.

"In my constituency, I sponsor about 58 students who perform well, and I have been doing this for over three years," Biara said, adding that leadership should go beyond rhetoric to tangibly improve lives.

He also pledged to redirect funds allocated to MPs for vehicle purchases toward community development initiatives.

"I will receive the money allocated to MPs by Parliament for vehicles and spend it not on myself, but on supporting my community in the constituency," he said.

Biara expressed optimism about the 12th Parliament, noting that it presents an opportunity to reshape legislative priorities and improve accountability.

"I want to remain optimistic that in the 12th Parliament, people are going to come up and change the dynamics," he said.

Reflecting on parliamentary performance, Biara offered a candid critique of some senior legislators, suggesting that effectiveness should be measured by tangible results rather than oratory alone.

"Some of the people you are calling great debaters, like Hon. Ssemujju and Hon. Mpuuga, maybe lost because they were speaking a lot and doing less. I expect a lot from the 12th Parliament," he said.

Addressing concerns surrounding his Deputy Speaker bid, Biara dismissed claims that his candidacy was confrontational or divisive.

He noted that some NRM members and party elders questioned his decision to contest against the likely next Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa.

"I have received so many calls from some NRM people and elders asking why I'm going out to 'start wars' with the probable next speaker, Thomas Tayebwa. I asked them, when you contest in a democracy, does it mean you are starting wars?" he said.

Biara stressed that democratic competition should not be interpreted as hostility, but rather as a healthy process that strengthens governance and representation.

Read the original article on Nile Post.