Pro-Kadaga Minister to Museveni: Appoint Jacob Oulanyah Vice President

Junior minister in charge of mineral development Sarah Achieng Opendi has wondered why President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni cannot appoint deputy speaker Jacob Oulanyah vice president so he can leave the speaker job for Rebecca Kadaga.

The speaker and her deputy Oulanyah have expressed in the speakership of the 11th Parliament.

Kadaga is the incumbent speaker, after taking over from now 10-year-long vice president Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in 2011.

Before becoming speaker, Kadaga was Speaker Ssekandi’s deputy.

In the race due in May 2021, Kadaga is facing Oulanyah, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, and Democratic Party (DP) Bukoto Central MP-elect Richard Ssebamala.

Kadaga’s speaker campaign launch happened on March 24 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

One of the 81 MPs that attended the event was Minister Opendi.

Opendi urged Museveni to appoint Oulanyah vice president and leave the speaker position for Kadaga.

“I have heard people even saying ‘she can be appointed vice president,” noted Opendi.

“Why can’t those people be appointed vice president?”

Opendi is not the first pro-Kadaga MP to suggest that Oulanyah takes the VP job.

Opposition MP Asuman Basalirwa recently made the same proposal.

It remains to be seen if Oulanyah will accept to stand down for Kadaga again, having accepted to let his boss serve another five years in 2016.

If the ruling NRM party decides that Oulanyah returns to the deputy speaker role, the Omoro County MP will either face nine competitors or hope that the party convince those who have expressed interest in the job to give way.