House Republicans’ lackluster gains in the midterm elections may have changed the dynamics of their leadership elections, with some GOP lawmakers arguing that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) path to the speakership may have gotten slightly rockier and the race to become the next whip more uncertain due to the projected red wave looking like more of a splash.
Inside 48 hours before Kadaga lost the crown
May 26, 2021 Hon Rebecca Kadaga boards a parliament bus to Kololo
The political collapse of Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has squelched dreams of many –of her region (Busoga), of her people, of the women and opposition supporters gripped for the last 10 years by her outspoken brand of politics.
A parliamentary vote to elect the speaker of the 11th Parliament cast on May 24 felled Kadaga ending her 10-year stewardship of the House and snuffed the fire out of a long-running war with her deputy and eventual victor Jacob Oulanyah. Oulanyah polled 310 votes against Kadaga’s 197 votes.
Speaker must rise above party loyalties
May 25, 2021 Jacob Oulanyah sipping on coffee at Kololo
The race for the position of speaker of parliament was very emotionally charged and naturally left many egos bruised.
In particular, the house has been divided between two members; Rebecca Kadaga, former Speaker and Jacob Oulanyah, former speaker, both from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Oulanyah polled 310 votes while Kadaga came second with 197 votes.
The primary challenge before Oulanyah will be to conduct the proceedings free from disruptions. To do so, the speaker will have to earn the trust of the members of Parliament: One way to earn the trust of MPs will be by being neutral, both in practice and perception while running the House.