Speaker race: Nankabirwa speaks on ‘war’ against Kadaga, planned Kyankwanzi retreat; says NRM CEC decision will be final

Government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa has spoken out on alleged ‘war’ against Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, a planned retreat at Kyankwanzi and why ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) decision on speakership will be final.

Kadaga and her deputy Jacob Oulanyah, both of the NRM party, have expressed interest in the speaker job.

Oulanyah has deputized Kadaga for 10 years.

The NRM is sharply divided over who to back.

In 2016, Oulanyah, reportedly on NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) prompting, stood down to allow Kadaga serve two terms as she had requested.

But recently, when government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa reminded Kadaga of this ‘agreement,’ the speaker ruled that a 2016 NRM CEC decision was not binding on the House in a democratic society.

Now, Nankabirwa has told parliamentary reporters that there is no war between her and Kadaga as is said to reportedlyt play out in the race for speaker — as was in the race for NRM second national vice chairperson where the chief whip backed minister Persis Namuganza.

“There is no Nankabirwa Vs Kadaga,” Nankabirwa said.

“I am not in the speakership race and the media should stop fuelling this as a war.”

Nankabirwa added that NRM CEC will guide party members to come up with one candidate for the speaker position. She emphasized that CEC’s decision will be final.

“Aspiring candidates for speakership will be subjected to CEC for scrutiny and where possible, we shall harmonise to avoid bruises so that the party remains with one candidate,” said Nankabirwa.

The chief whip also told reporters the party was planning a retreat for legislators at the National Leadership Institute (Nali) in Kyankwanzi to discuss the speakership matter and other issues.