Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A section of Members of Parliament have held prayers for the Omoro County MP Jacob Oulanyah ahead of his contest for the position of Speaker of Parliament.
Oulanyah who handed over the Deputy Speaker’s office on Wednesday seeks to unseat Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga.
On Friday, MPs believed to be Oulanyah’s supporters organized prayers at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
Some of the MPs included Ministers Bright Rwamirama, Peter Ogwang, Betty Amongi and Robinah Nabbanja.
Others were the outgoing Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa, Jim Muhwezi, Alex Ruhunda, Koboko MP Charles Ayume, Felix Okot Ogong, the Dokolo South MP, and Joy Waako, the National female MP representing older persons.
Tumwesigye Josephat, MP Bugangaizi South, Samon Nadeb, MP Bulamogi County, Muhammad Kato, Katerere County MP, Patience Nkunda, Kanungu Woman MP and Wilson Kajwengye, Nyabushozi County MP were in attendance as well.
Reverend Christine Shimanya, the Parliament Chaplain who led the prayers asked God to grant Oulanyah victory.
Pece-Laroo MP Father Charles Onen dedicated Oulanyah to God, saying the time has come for him to serve. He says the next Parliament should enact laws that benefit Ugandans.
Betty Among, the Oyam County MP faulted the current leadership of Parliament for promoting tension and intolerance which has created fear among MPs.
Bright Rwamirama, the MP Isingiro North also used the event to rally the new Members of Parliament to vote for change next week.
Nankabirwa said that NRM needs to vote for a Speaker who is loyal to the party.
Oulanyah later went to the National Resistance Movement-NRM party headquarters where he picked expression of interest forms.
He reiterated his pledge to restore the reputation of Parliament. Oulanyah also said that he is waiting for CEC’s decision and he is confident of victory.
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