Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has withdrawn her intention to stand for the position of speaker of parliament.
The Honourable Minister who expressed her interest in the role of Speaker on Tuesday did not give any reasons for the U-turn.
While speaking to NBS this morning, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the National Resistance Movement(NRM), announced Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng’s withdrawal from the speakership race.
A statement by Jane Ruth Aceng on 22nd March 2022 at 5:15pm states;
“ WITHDRAWAL OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO STAND FOR THE POSITION OF SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA.
Reference is made to above subject matter.
Further reference is made to my earlier letter of today in which I submitted my expression of interest to contest for the above mentioned position.
Whereas it’s my constitutional right to contest and eligible to be elected the Speaker of Parliament in accordance to Article 82 (2). I have taken a decision to withdraw my intension to stand to the same.
It is public knowledge that, pursuant to Article 82(4) of the Constitution, there is urgency to fill the position of Speaker, since the demise of our beloved brother; the Rt. Hon. Jacob L. Oulanyah. However, as a candidate, I have not had enough time to consult my party leadership, not made enough consultations with fellow colleagues and even my family and therefore, I feel it is only proper that I step down.
I wish to thank my party the NRM for the acceptance and the support I have received since the time I expressed my interest, my colleagues, and all Ugandans for the trust they have put in me through their supportive messages to my candidature.
I pledge to continue serving my nation in my current capacity as the Minister for Health diligently and with loyalty to my party.”
This leaves only 12 names, which will be forwarded to the Secretary-General and later to the party CEC as we await voting on Friday 25th March 2022. The newly voted Speaker of Parliament will be replacing the Late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah whose death was announced on Sunday 20th 2022.
