Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah’s bid for the speakership received a major boost on Saturday after Acholi Parliamentary Group unanimously endorsed him.
The group brings together lawmakers from the Acholi sub-region in the northern part of the country.
Oulanyah is in the race for the speakership with Rebecca Kadaga as the frontrunners.
Now, the Acholi Parliamentary Group, which comprises about 20 legislators, has declared its support for Oulanyah, who belongs to the group.
The group endorsed Oulanyah, favourite to win the seat, on Saturday at Churchhill Courts Hotel in Gulu District.
Explaining their decision to back Oulanyah, APG Chairperson, P.P Okin Ojara, said JO as Oulanyah is fondly known, is competent, humble, honest, objective and capable, all qualities needed to steer the eleventh parliament.
He also revealed that they had been in contact with several new MPs who have since given Oulanyah the nod.
Ojara was flanked by fourteen out of the eighteen newly elected legislators from the region. He argues that this is the best time for Oulanyah to steer the August house since he had stepped down for Kadaga in the previous election. Judith Peace Acan, the Nwoya district Woman MP-elect who pledged support Oulanyah said their decision is not based on ethnic consideration but rather Oulanyah’s capability.
Reverend Father Charles Onen, the Pece-Laroo Gulu City Division MP elect rallied other Members of Parliament to give their support to Oulanyah for speaker. Laker Sharon Balmoi, the Gulu district Woman MP-elect noted that it is her prayer that the will of God sees Oulanyah through for the speaker.
