Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality Member of Parliament-elect Hajji Iddi Basajjabalaba has officially expressed interest in contesting for the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament in the upcoming 12th Parliament.
Basajjabalaba, who will be serving his first term in Parliament, is the son of Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, the chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League, a businessman widely known for his close ties with influential figures within government circles.
The Deputy Speaker’s seat is currently occupied by Thomas Tayebwa, the Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County in Mitooma District, who was elected to the position on March 25, 2022. Tayebwa replaced Anita Among, who ascended to the Speakership following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
With the new Parliament set to convene in May, political activity around top parliamentary leadership positions is already intensifying.
In a related development, Norbert Mao, the current Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and MP-elect for Laroo-Pece Division, is reportedly positioning himself for the Speaker of Parliament role, which is presently held by Anita Among.
Political analysts say the early declarations signal an emerging power contest within the ruling political establishment, as both experienced politicians and fresh entrants seek to shape the leadership of the 12th Parliament.
The elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker are expected to take place shortly after the swearing-in of MPs, setting the stage for a potentially competitive and high-stakes parliamentary leadership battle.