This afternoon, the top decision making body of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) will unveil its preferred candidate(s) for the position of Speaker of the 11th Parliament from the now 12 aspirants, whose name (s) will then be forwarded to party’s Parliamentary Caucus tomorrow for consideration.
The stakes are high and the excitement is all-over, with many wondering who the chosen one will be. There is a glaring impression that the 27-man CEC will find a hard-time in selecting the flagbear. This is far from reality, the truth is, and CEC knows that Rt Hon Annet Anita Among, the Deputy Speaker is most suitable and qualified person for the office of the Speaker especially at a time like this when Parliament badly needs a redeemer – one who is not only competent, but also, a unifier.
Like a sparkling light, Among is the Joshua Parliament desperately needs to thrive now that Moses (Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah) is no more. Given her political background and works exhibited in the last nearly a year, a chance to her to lead the national house will usher-in a new era of unity, quality debate and legislation, as well as restoring the house’s once celebrated dignity.
CEC knows that Rt Hon Annet Anita Among, the Deputy Speaker is most suitable and qualified person for the office of the Speaker especially at a time like this when Parliament badly needs a redeemer – one who is not only competent, but also, a unifier.
Of the total 529 legislators in the 11th Parliament, Among was overwhelmingly voted Deputy Speaker by 415 MPs from the Opposition, NRM and independent, an indicator that she commands trust of nearly the entire house.
Parliamentary business begins with trust the legislators have in Presiding Officer, and indeed, Among won that trust abd has since tightly and convincingly upheld it.
The soft-spoken second-term Bukedea District lawmaker presided over Parliament most times in the last 10 months since being sworn-in in May last year due to illness of her boss, the Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah (RIP), allowing her to gain sufficient experience and exposure.
Non of the rest of aspirants for the Speakership points in the NRM is as experienced as Rt Hon Anita Among.
She has with wisdom successfully guided the house even on controversial motions including the recent COSASE report on Entebbe International Airport.
Among has in the 10 months lived up to her word when she said after swearing-in as Deputy Speaker, that: “I am going be the bridge between the opposition and the ruling government. For me, I cut across, I am a down to earth person.”
Unlike some of the previous speakers, Among a loyal member of the NRM, is very friendly and welcoming. She dines with legislators from all political divides. Her office is always flooded with not only opposition and NRM MPs, but also common people engaging on different issues, a character that portrays her as one who fronts country first for a common goal.
Oulanyah had promised quality debate and ‘talking after making research’. This, is the way Among is leading as evidenced in the guidance she continuously offers to MPs as well as her quest for instilling discipline in the house, among others.
Indeed, many Ugandans had for so long expressed concern over the deteriorating quality of debate in the house. Parliament needs a quick and immediate fix and this can not be done be a gambler, but an experienced and focused presiding officer.
It should be noted that many Ugandans especially young people had many hopes in the late Jacob Oulanyah, whom they looked at as a father and a leader mature enough to command Parliament deliver for the common man.
But now, since he is gone, Among, is the right person to continue his legacy and implement his desires since she knew him well and for some time, he mentored her. She is already moving in his footsteps.
Anita Among’s experience, wisdom patriotism, unifying nature, hardwork and party loyalty pits her miles ahead of other aspirants. CEC should not betray the cause of Ugandans, it has no option other than entrusting her with the mantle to stir the house to the promised land.
The writer is a Ugandan Journalist with passion for current African Affairs.