Mbale, Uganda — Bulambuli County Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Wepukhulu Biara, has expressed interest in the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament, citing leadership growth, experience, and national service as key motivations. According to Biara, any Member of Parliament who meets the requirements is free to express interest in parliamentary leadership positions, including the deputy speakership.
According to Biara, any Member of Parliament who meets the requirements is free to express interest in parliamentary leadership positions, including the deputy speakership. He said his decision to aim for the deputy role is guided by a belief in progressive leadership.
Biara revealed that his interest was encouraged by cultural leaders in the Bugisu sub-region, including the Umukuka, who reportedly told him that he has the potential to one day become Speaker of Parliament. However, Biara noted that he prefers a gradual leadership path.
“I believe leadership is grown. Starting as Deputy Speaker allows one to learn, serve, and later take on higher responsibility,” he said.
His interest comes at a time when the NRM, his political party, has already endorsed Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker and Rt. Hon. Anita Among for Speaker. Despite this, Biara maintains that expressing interest is not rebellion but part of democratic parliamentary practice.
Biara is said to maintain close working relationships with senior national leaders, including former Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and Speaker Anita Among, relationships observers say place him well within Uganda’s political establishment.
