Written By | Peter Luzinda
Tayebwa takes oath
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PARLIAMENT
Outgoing Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has said he will fully comply with any decision made by President Yoweri Museveni regarding his next political position, describing himself as a loyal cadre of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Tayebwa made the remarks while speaking to journalists at Parliament shortly after taking oath as Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North.
He was responding to questions about whether he intends to contest again for the position of Deputy Speaker in the 12th Parliament.
“On that issue, I want to thank the President, who first of all gave me an opportunity to serve as Government Chief Whip, and thereafter promoted me to serve as Deputy Speaker,” Tayebwa said.
“Now, my duty as a true cadre of the party is to wait for further instructions from him, and I have to dutifully and 100 percent comply with whatever instructions he gives me.”
Tayebwa also defended the performance of the 11th Parliament, describing it as highly successful in supporting government programmes and passing critical legislation.
He cited the Petroleum Supply Amendment Act as one of the key laws enacted during the term, saying it had strengthened fuel security in Uganda.
“The performance has been excellent. We have supported all government programmes and passed critical laws,” he said.
“A very good example is the Petroleum Supply Amendment Bill, which has brought security of fuel supply to the country. We also passed the Organ Donation and Transplant Law, which has enabled Uganda to begin carrying out critical surgeries locally instead of sending patients abroad.”
The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that the 12th Parliament would build on the achievements of its predecessor.
Tayebwa further identified fighting corruption and expanding access to free universal education as some of the major priorities Parliament should focus on in the coming term.
“In the 12th Parliament, we have to focus on complete free universal education, which the President is looking at,” he said.
“We also have to ensure that we fight corruption at all levels, not only at the top but even down to lower levels. If we as leaders deliver on that and other mandates, I believe the country is going to prosper.”
His remarks come amid ongoing political discussions within the NRM over leadership positions in the 12th Parliament, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker races.
Torch Media Africa
