Bunyoro MP Asiimwe Claims Regional Colleagues Compromised in Speaker Race

Dr. Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Woman MP for Masindi District, has publicly criticized MPs from the Bunyoro sub-region for not backing her candidacy for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. Speaking in Masindi, she claimed some regional colleagues have been compromised by her opponents, preventing unified support despite her local roots.

The Bunyoro sub-region, spanning districts like Masindi, Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, and Buliisa, sends around 28 MPs to Parliament, including eight Woman representatives and 20 from constituencies.

Asiimwe specifically called out Rogers Byamukama, MP-elect for Masindi Municipality—her birthplace—for endorsing incumbent Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Thomas Tayebwa earlier this year. Byamukama defended his stance, citing a personal friendship with Among, who campaigned for him, and urged other Bunyoro MPs to declare their positions publicly.

Local stakeholder Harrison Businge Magezi, head of the Albertine Oil Reporters Association, called for regional solidarity, viewing Asiimwe’s run as a key chance for Bunyoro to gain a prominent national voice.

Asiimwe warned she would rally voters to hold non-supporting MPs accountable if Bunyoro’s full backing doesn’t materialize during the vote later this month. Political analyst Wilson Musiime noted that Speakership decisions often transcend regional loyalties.

This article is based on a report from Daily Monitor.