Kampala, Uganda
Sheema District Woman Member of Parliament Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa has officially announced her candidacy for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, promising to champion transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption reforms within the legislature.
Katusiime made the announcement positioning herself as a reform-focused candidate at a time when Parliament faces heightened public scrutiny over corruption allegations and governance concerns.
Speaking during the announcement of her bid, Katusiime said her leadership agenda would prioritize restoring public trust in Parliament through stronger oversight and ethical leadership.
“My leadership agenda will focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within Parliament,” she said.
She also pledged to support a firm fight against corruption, an issue that has dominated political debate in Uganda in recent years following several high-profile scandals involving public officials.
Katusiime argued that rebuilding confidence in Parliament requires leaders committed to strengthening institutional credibility and enforcing ethical standards.
Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa serves as the Woman MP for Sheema District in western Uganda and is a member of National Resistance Movement (NRM).
She has been active in parliamentary affairs and has participated in debates relating to governance, public accountability, women’s representation, and social development issues.
The positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are among the most influential offices in the legislative system.
The Deputy Speaker presides over parliamentary sessions in the absence of the Speaker, oversees legislative procedures, and plays a key role in managing parliamentary business and committee operations.
The contest for parliamentary leadership has attracted significant national attention following recent developments involving outgoing Speaker Anita Among, who announced she would not seek re-election amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and wealth declaration issues.
Katusiime’s anti-corruption message comes at a time when public confidence in Parliament has been tested by a series of controversies.
Among the most notable was the 2023 Karamoja iron sheets scandal, in which senior government officials were accused of diverting iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in northeastern Uganda.
Recent investigations involving allegations of illicit enrichment and under-declaration of assets against senior political figures have further intensified calls for institutional reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Political analysts say candidates seeking parliamentary leadership are increasingly being forced to address governance and transparency concerns directly as public demand for accountability grows.
The leadership race within Parliament is also closely tied to internal decision-making within NRM party, where President Yoweri Museveni and party structures traditionally play an influential role in endorsing candidates for top parliamentary positions.
Katusiime’s announcement signals widening competition for the Deputy Speaker role as lawmakers position themselves ahead of caucus consultations and formal elections in Parliament.
Members of the 12th Parliament are expected to be sworn in before electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Candidates seeking the positions are expected to continue consultations within political parties and parliamentary caucuses in the coming days.
Katusiime’s campaign is likely to focus heavily on governance reforms and restoring Parliament’s public image as lawmakers prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched leadership contest.
