The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially unveiled Paul Mwiru, Jinja South East MP, as its candidate for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, as the opposition seeks to strengthen its influence and restore what it describes as parliamentary independence.
The announcement followed a meeting between the party’s top leadership and members of its 12th parliamentary caucus, where leaders discussed what they termed as an “alternative vision” for Parliament and the country.
In a statement issued after the meeting, NUP said the decision to field Mwiru was aimed at restoring the image and functionality of Parliament in line with the Constitution.
“We have fielded the Jinja South East MP Hon. Paul Mwiru as our official candidate for speakership of the 12th Parliament,” the party stated.
NUP also revealed plans to engage other opposition political parties in order to jointly nominate a Deputy Speaker candidate, saying the move is intended to create a united opposition voice in Parliament.
The party argued that Uganda’s legislature has increasingly lost its autonomy and is operating under what it described as “captivity guised as a fight against corruption.”
According to NUP leaders, Parliament must regain its independence from external influence and political interference if it is to effectively perform its constitutional oversight role.
The opposition party also criticized the involvement of military leaders in political affairs, arguing that such actions undermine the independence of Parliament.
“There is no way a serving army officer should engage in partisan politics and endorse individuals to occupy parliamentary leadership. This alone depicts that we shall not have an independent parliament,” the statement added.The remarks appeared to reference recent public political statements by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has increasingly commented on national political matters ahead of the formation of the 12th Parliament.Political analysts say the opposition’s decision to front a Speaker candidate signals growing efforts to challenge the dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement within Parliament and shape debate around institutional independence and governance.The election for Speaker and Deputy Speaker is expected to attract significant political attention as parties position themselves ahead of the official opening of the 12th Parliament.
