Following the demise of the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party which commands a majority following in the august house, has set tomorrow, March 22, 2022 as the date for expression of interest in the position. Article 82(4) of the Ugandan constitution provides that subject to Clause (4) of Article 81 of this Constitution, “no business shall be transacted in Parliament other than an election to the office of Speaker at any time that office is vacant.” The NRM Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa has announced that all ruling MPs will tomorrow convene at Kololo Independence Grounds and later on in the parliamentary conference hall on Wednesday to agree on who to front. Reports say a number of MPs have started jostling for the seat and among these is former Makerere University don Prof Elijah Mushemeza, MP Sheema South in western Uganda. He spoke to MediaScapeNews:
MediaScape News: Tell us abit about your background
Mushemeza: I was born in 1964, in the Sheema District. I am an academic, an author, and a practical politician. I am a professor of Political Science and Development Management at Ankole Western University; and a senior consultant at ACODE. Previously, I was the dean of Faculty of Business and Development Studies at Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda. I am a Member of Parliament Sheem South Constituency.
MediaScape News: Why are you offering yourself for leadership of parliament?
Mushemeza: First, following the sad and unfortunate demise of our hero and leader, Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah, there is now a vacancy that needs urgent attention. Second, I have the capability and competencies to lead the 11th Parliament as a Speaker. I’m well versed with the Constitution of Uganda and Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda. Third, several Colleagues have approached me to offer leadership in that position.
MediaScape News: What unique qualities are you bringing to the table?
Mushemeza: I’m bringing on table a wealth of experience in management of National institutions. I served as a CA Delegate for Sheema South, 1994-5; a Member of Parliament in the Sixth Parliament; and Vice Chairperson of NRM Electoral Commission 2011-2015.
I’m serving on the Business Committee of Parliament whose main responsibility is to arrange the business of each meeting and the order in which it shall be taken in Parliament. I also serve on the Budget Committee; and Committee of Tourism, Trade and Industry.
MediaScape News: The fallen speaker had succeeded in uniting the house and rallying the MPs around legislating for the Uganda we want. What do you plan to do differently?
Mushemeza: World over good practices are emulated. The Spirit of Unity which the late Speaker promoted will be emulated under my leadership. What I will add is to have more meetings of the Committees that bring key players of Parliament together such as the Business Committee, and Parliamentary Commission. We also need to work out an arrangement where the citizens feel more Parliament as an institution.
MediaScape News: What is the kind of house do you envisage given the criticism towards MPs as a bunch of greedy lot?
Mushemeza: Members of Parliament are not motivated by self- interest and scepticism as people perceive us. What we need is a mindset change. Citizens should be helped to understand and appreciate the functions of Parliament and roles of Members of Parliament. Fortunately under the Parish Development Model, we have a pillar on Community Mobilisation and mindset change. We should take advantage of this new development to sensitize our people.
MediaScape News: You have served in parliament before and in the CA. How does this experience shape your bid?
Mushemeza: As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. I have had an opportunity to serve in a legislative environment, sit on high level organs of national institutions such as the Central Executive Committee of NRM, handle large sums of public money with integrity and chaired a tribunal that disposed of election petitions with utmost faith and justice. All these shaped me as a senior impartial citizen with respect.
MediaScape News: What is your vision and mission?
Mushemeza: My vision is a Ugandan one as articulated in the NDPIII 2020/21 – 2024/25; “A Transformed Ugandan Society from a Peasant to a Modern and Prosperous Country within 30 years”. This is equally echoed and consistent with the NRM vision which I ideologically subscribe to as an Independent NRM leaning MP. Thus goes “A transformed, free, united, democratic, harmonious, peaceful, industrialized and prosperous Uganda within a united and strong Africa. I am a ‘Tripple A’: Available, Accessible and Able (AAA).