Institutional Memory Key in My Decision — Babirye on Deputy Speaker Race

By Kayiira Jackson 

Former Netball President and the current Member of Parliament Bukoto East, Sarah Babirye Kityo, has withdrawn from the race for Deputy Speaker of Parliament, citing the need for institutional stability and continuity within the 12th Parliament.

Speaking during a press conference held at Parliament on Wednesday, Babirye said her decision followed consultations with senior political figures who advised her to step aside in the interest of preserving institutional memory at a time Parliament is facing significant challenges.

Babirye revealed that while many leaders encouraged her to contest, others urged caution, warning that the current political climate required experienced leadership.

“We don’t want to act on emotions or excitement. As statesmen and women, it is important that we think through and take the right decision,” Babirye said.

She noted that some of the challenges experienced by the 11th Parliament stemmed from having “two new speakers,” arguing that continuity in leadership would help stabilize the institution.

Following the consultations, Babirye announced that she would instead support former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa to retain the position.

The legislator also addressed concerns raised by supporters regarding gender balance in parliamentary leadership, after some questioned the possibility of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions being occupied by men.

Babirye acknowledged that Parliament has traditionally maintained a gender balance arrangement where either the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is female, but emphasized that the current political circumstances demanded unity rather than identity politics.

“This Parliament once had same-sex speakership, and this doesn’t mean that women will never contest again,” she said.

“Because of the kind of storm this Parliament is going through, I think it is high time we don’t become selfish and bring gender issues or emotional issues into this matter.”

She expressed confidence that women leaders would have another opportunity to negotiate for top parliamentary positions in the future.

Babirye also spoke candidly about her previous endorsement of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among before the corruption investigations that later engulfed her office.

According to Babirye, her decision to endorse Among was influenced by her mother, despite the strained relationship between the two leaders following the controversial netball saga that saw Babirye jailed.

“I was so hurt,” Babirye admitted. “But my mother told me that if I wanted God to fight my battles, I needed to forgive and forget.”

She explained that her mother encouraged her to publicly endorse Among as a sign of forgiveness, a decision she says she does not regret.

“I went and endorsed her and I don’t regret it,” she stated.

Babirye, however, maintained that forgiveness does not mean silence, warning that she would continue speaking out whenever she sees wrongdoing in Parliament.

Earlier this week, Babirye had announced plans to contest for the Deputy Speaker position after what she described as a leadership vacuum in Parliament.

Her announcement came amid intense political maneuvering surrounding the reorganization of parliamentary leadership following the troubles facing former Speaker Anita Among.

However, the political landscape shifted a day later after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced through his social media platforms that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) had endorsed Thomas Tayebwa to retain the Deputy Speakership.

The same political camp had earlier backed Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth as a replacement for embattled former Speaker Anita Among.

Babirye’s withdrawal now clears the path for Tayebwa’s return to the Deputy Speaker’s office as Parliament navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history.