As it stands now, the position of Deputy Speaker is not vacant pending the resignation of the current office holder, Ms Anita Among after she was endorsed by NRM’s CEC to the office of Speaker.
Despite this, a number of Members of Parliament have already voiced interest in taking over the position.
Among, has served as Deputy Speaker for 10 months, superintending over much of parliamentary business due to the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s unstable health.
Oulanyah died on March 20 of an undisclosed illness.
Among was yesterday endorsed by NRM to represent the party in the race to replace the former Speaker.
In this case, after the Friday sitting to elect the Speaker, Parliament could convene a sitting to elect the deputy, before the planned sitting to honour Oulanyah.
Peter Walubiri, a lawyer says Parliament can function without a Deputy Speaker, but it would be an anomaly for Among to hold both offices, in case she is elected Speaker.
Among those who have expressed interest for the deputy speaker are, Lillian Aber the Kitgum District Woman MP, Roland Ndyomugyenyi, the Rukiga County MP, John Teira, the Bugabula North MP.
Others are Asuman Basalirwa the lone Member of Parliament from the Justice Forum (JEEMA), Catherine Lamwaka the Woman MP for Omoro District and Ojara Mapenduzi the Bardege-Layibi Division MP.
