The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced its decision to field Paul Mwiru as its candidate for Speaker of Parliament, saying the move is intended to restore the independence and integrity of the August House.
Speaking at a press briefing, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya criticized what he described as growing external influence in parliamentary affairs, arguing that Parliament has gradually lost its constitutional autonomy.
"I believe that Parliament needs to regain its independence, and we do not see that in what is currently going on," Rubongoya said.
He questioned the involvement of individuals outside Parliament in influencing the selection of the Speaker, saying such actions undermine democratic processes and the constitutional role of legislators.
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"You see someone who is not even a participant in parliamentary politics waking up one day and endorsing one candidate for Speaker, then changing positions the next day. That should not happen because Parliament is supposed to make its own independent decisions," he said.
Rubongoya warned that a Speaker elected under external influence would struggle to independently supervise government and effectively hold it accountable.
"If we get such a Speaker, how independently can they work and hold government accountable?" he asked.
The NUP Secretary General called on Members of Parliament, including those from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), to work together in restoring the image and constitutional role of Parliament.
"We implore Members of Parliament, including those from the NRM, to see what is happening and join efforts to restore not just the image of Parliament, but also its functionality as required under the Constitution," he said.
He emphasized that Parliament is a key institution mandated to oversee the Executive, enact laws, and safeguard the rule of law on behalf of Ugandans.
"The Constitution creates Parliament as a very important institution that must oversee the Executive, protect the rule of law, and represent the people of Uganda," he noted.
Rubongoya said NUP believes that electing Mwiru as Speaker would help address concerns around corruption, political interference, and institutional weakening within Parliament.
The party expressed confidence in Mwiru's leadership and pledged to mobilize support for his candidature ahead of the upcoming speakership race.
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