The State Minister for Housing, Persis Namuganza, has defended her declared bid for Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, using her Ramadan message to rally support and critique current parliamentary leadership.
In her address, Namuganza first wished Muslims a blessed fasting season, urging prayers for Uganda and global peace.
"Use this holy month to reflect, repent and pray for our country," she said.
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She then shifted to politics, reiterating that she is running as an independent candidate after being denied the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag. Namuganza insisted she still commands support across political lines.
"I am consolidating votes from NRM members, independents and the opposition. I am getting overwhelming support," she said.
The Bukono MP criticised the current legislature, describing it as "embarrassing" and damaging to Uganda's image, while blaming party leaders for weakening internal democracy.
She positioned her speakership bid as a reform agenda.
"Uganda needs good leadership in Parliament. I want to serve genuinely, not for personal benefit," she said.
Namuganza clarified she has no formal agreement with the NRM, though she did not rule out future engagement. She pledged that, if elected, she would restore order and improve relations between MPs and the public.
The speakership race has already attracted several aspirants, including Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao and others, all seeking to unseat the incumbent Annet Anita Among.
