Robinah Rwakoojo is among the very few NRM MPs who were re-elected into the 11th Parliament in Buganda Region.
Many NRM incumbents were swept by the NUP wave which saw tens of powerful Ministers lose the election particularly in Buganda.
Among those defeated include Vice President Edward Ssekandi, Trade Minister Ameria Kyambadde, Agriculture Minister Vincent Sempijja, ICT Minister Judith Nabakooba and many others.
It therefore took robust mobilization for an MP on NRM ticket to win election in the Central Region.
Robina Gureme Rwakoojo is among those who defied the odds of NUP wave and returned to Parliament after winning an election.
What remains surprising that is that she defeated NUP candidate in Gomba West, a constituency which is not only found in Buganda but also a backyard of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was born in Gomba before it was split into East and West.
Robina on Thursday officially launched her campaign program for Deputy Speaker contest at Imperial Royale Hotel.
She says that as Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament she will work towards capacity building of Members of Parliament.
“Today I officially declare my intention to stand for the position of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda. Considering that committees act as mini Parliaments in their mode of work, I believe it has given me the experience to blend with my vast legal knowledge to execute the role effectively,” Robina said.
She said after her reelection a number of MPs have since approached her saying she should contest for the position.
“Since my re-election, a number of colleagues have approached me and asked me to take up this position. This, coupled with my interest in Parliamentary procedure, has encouraged me to vie for the position of Deputy Speaker.”
Robina who exudes a legal background has articulate and commands respect among her colleagues.
“The constitution names legislation as the chief duty of a Member of Parliament, but this should be beefed up with specialized refresher training. I would also like to ensure that members can comfortably contribute to the debates in the House,” she added.
Robina was accompanied by by Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, Hon. Tumusiime Rosemary and Hon. Eragu Veronica Bichetero.
Legal background
She is an Advocate of the High Court, a former Vice Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, a former Chairperson of the Select Committee inquiring into Sexual Violence in Institutions of Learning in Uganda; and is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Committee of Parliament and a member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Before venturing into Parliament in 2016, Hon Robina worked as a Commissioner in the Directorate of Civil Litigation at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for five years.
She had previously served as the Acting Director Civil Litigation in the Ministry for five years, and also served as a Principal State Attorney, Senior State Attorney and State Attorney over a span of years.