By Ruth Mirembe
On Tuesday, female MPs of the 12th Parliament converged at one of the Parliamentary Buildings’ Conference Halls to elect new UWOPA executive leaders, replacing the one which Sarah Opendi headed under the 11th Parliament.
Even when their party is known not to have the cards or numbers required to win at such NRM-dominated fora, two National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs shrewdly managed to win two executive positions and they miraculously went through unopposed.
These are Betty Ethel Naluyima (Wakiso Woman MP) who scooped the position of Publicity Secretary and Sheilah Drivalle Amaniyo (Mukono Woman MP) who got the slot of UWOPA Treasurer. This outcome will surprise many given the fact that NRM, which has a commanding majority and numeric strength, is renowned for its winner takes-it-all politics. Remarkably, there was limited enthusiasm towards the UWOPA poll this time round, which explains why not even a half of the eligible members/voters turned up.
For the position of UWOPA Chairperson, Lira District Woman MP Auma Linda upstaged and defeated Spellanza Baguma Muhenda. Auma Linda, who is doing her 2nd term as Lira Woman MP, scored 63 votes as Spellanza Baguma Muhenda trailed with 34.
For the position of UWOPA Vice Chairperson, Angela Okoth (who defeated Sarah Opendi back home in Tororo district during the January polls) prevailed with 74 votes, thoroughly thumping her only competitor Kibaale Woman MP Annet Nabadduka who trailed with 34 votes.
For the position of General Secretary, Moyo Woman MP Bernadette Chandia Kodil triumphed with 58 votes after effectively blunting her only rival Christine Apolot who trailed with 41.
Some other positions, including that of youth representative on the UWOPA executive, were not filled because of absence of key stakeholders and also because of the time factor, as members had to disperse to go for the plenary session which was already underway. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
