MPs from Buganda are sharply divided on whom to back between speaker Rebecca Kadaga and her deputy Jacob Oulanyah for speakership. Whereas last week a group of 25 MPs nationwide led by Buganda caucus chairperson Godfrey Kiwanda came out backing Oulanyah, this morning another group specifically from Buganda led by Benny Bugembe [Mubende woman] addressed scribes backing Kadaga for speakership.

The members said that they want Kadaga back into the chair for speakership because according to them, she respects members; supports members in doing their legislative work by giving them time to speak in addition to protecting them from all kinds of teasing and intimidation.

Bugembe added that the members want a lady [Kadaga] to head the 3rd arm of government [Legislature] since the other two arms including executive are headed by a man [president Museveni] and the judiciary is headed by a man [CJ Bart Katureebe].

Last week on Wednesday, the Kiwanda team declared support for Oulanyah on grounds that he is non-sectarian, he advocates for all members regardless of their regions, knows the law and above all, he has helped government have sticky issues sail through parliament unlike Kadaga whom they accused of dodging such matters. They vowed to oust Kadaga from speakership on grounds that she is sectarian, doesn’t know the law and has not helped the ruling party on tough matters on the floor of parliament.