KAMPALA.The Omoro District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Catherine Lamwaka, has announced her intention to vie as Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
She cited that her constituency was deprived by the untimely death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
''I confirm that I am interested in becoming the deputy speaker of the 12th parliament to serve my people and the country, a key position we were deprived of following the demise of Jacob Oulanyah.'' Ms Lamwaka said on Monday.
Ms Lamwaka, a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, is undertaking her third term for the same seat.
Following the election of Jacob Oulanyah, the MP for Omoro County, as Speaker of the 12th Parliament, she says hopes had been restored among her people and leaders, yet this was short-lived after the former passed away just ten months after assuming office.
Ms Lamwaka told this Publication on Monday that her bid seeks to resurrect the lost hope among the people of Omoro District and the country at large as she works alongside the successful Speaker.
Her bid comes as the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General, David Kabanda, announced that their desired candidate for Speakership was Budama West Central MP and Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mr Markson Oboth Oboth, but kept mute on the position of Deputy Speaker.
Ms Lamwaka, who had served as Resident District Commissioner (RDC) before becoming an MP, now joins three other party members, including outgoing State minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Lilian Aber, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, who is also the Lira City Woman MP, and Gomba West MP Robinah Rwakoojo.
Mbale City Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto has also openly expressed interest in the position.
However, Ms Lamwaka says her decision will be guided by the NRM party organs, which she says she pays allegiance to, and heavily contributed to its mobilisation, leading to President Yoweri Musevenis victory in 2026 in her district with 93 percent.
”However, I will abide by the decision that may be taken by my party, which I pay allegiance to.” She noted.
Ms Lamwaka served as Chairperson of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Chairperson of Uganda Women Parliamentarians and Deputy Chairperson of Tourism, Trade and Industry, as well as Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committees.
Her first parliamentary bid suffered a setback after failing to oust Betty Bigombe and Betty Aol Ocan as Woman MP for Amuru and Gulu Districts in 2011 and 2015, respectively.