Hon Lydia Wanyoto eyeing the Deputy Speakers position in the Uganda National Assembly….Photo/CG
MBALE CITY,UGANDA
In a dramatic twist for the parliamentary leadership race, Bulambuli County MP Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu has abandoned his bid for the Deputy Speakership position.
The breakthrough announcement followed intensive reconciliation talks hosted over the weekend by the cultural leader of Bugisu, Umukuuka III HRH Sir Jude Mike Mudoma at his royal palace.
Strategic Retraction
The sub-region’s parliamentary ambitions faced a sudden shakeup after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsed Defence Minister Oboth Oboth for the top Speaker post.
This prompt shift led Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende to recalibrate her strategy toward the Deputy Speaker position.
Speaking during Oboth Oboth’s thanksgiving event in Mukono, Wanyoto signaled her intent to align with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) hierarchy rather than contesting the Speakership.
Since the ruling party has yet to formalise its choice for Deputy Speaker, Wanyoto immediately emerged as a formidable contender.
Inside the Palace Mediation
Before the royal intervention, Bugisu found itself politically divided with two heavyweights gunning for separate leadership slots:
- Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende (originally eyeing the Speakership)
- Hon. Emmanuel Biara Wepukulu (campaigning for Deputy Speaker)
To prevent a split vote and project regional unity, Umukuuka III summoned both politicians to a closed-door meeting.
His mediation successfully convinced hon.Wepukhulu to step aside, consolidating the sub-region’s backing entirely behind Wanyoto.
The Shadow Over the Race
This high-stakes realignment occurs as the former Speaker Anita Among’ faces a definitive exit from the race.
President Museveni reportedly ordered her withdrawal from the contest as the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) ramp up joint probes into allegations of money laundering and illicit enrichment.
