The NRM Electoral boss Dr Tanga Odoi has disowned a statement posted on the party’s official Twitter page earlier, instructing MPs to express interest in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s seats.
The Statement quoting Mr Odoi suggested that members who want to vie for position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament should pick “interest forms” from his office starting Wednesday- 5th May.
“NRM Electoral Commission calls upon party members that are interested in the speakership and deputy speakership positions of the 11th parliament to pick interest forms from the NRM electoral commission starting tomorrow,” a tweet on the party’s official account reads.
Speaking to this website on Tuesday evening, Dr Tanga Odoi denied issuing any orders.
“I have not said anything like that,” he said.
He added: “Not that I can’t asking people to come for forms but for now I have not said anything.”
Asked who could have engineered such a move and asked the handlers to post the information on Twitter, the former Makerere University lecturer expressed unawareness.
“I don’t know,” he said before ending our call.
The earlier announcement had aroused debate among political pundits as to what could have influenced the decision since the Speaker’s election is anticipated to be hotly contested.
Three candidates of which two are from the ruling party have already expressed ambition to lead the 11th Parliament.
Opposition Chief Whip Ssemujju Nganda perceived as the weak candidate joined Rebecca Kadaga and her main rival Jacob Oulanyah to fight for the seat.
11 contenders have also expressed interest to contest for Deputy Speakership.
They include; Hon Robinah Rwakoojo, Anita Among, Jacob Oboth Oboth, Thomas Tayebwa and among others.
However, the President prevailed over and stopped campaigns saying he will consult his lawyers for further direction fearing the early campaigns could split the party.
