The Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) has endorsed the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah for Speakers of the eleventh parliament.
Oulanyah is seeking to unseat Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga in May. Kadaga, the incumbent, is serving her third term, has expressed interest in retaining her position.
APG which is made up of about 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) from Acholi Sub Region made the revelation on Saturday while addressing journalists from Churchill Courts Hotel in Gulu City.
P.P Okin Ojara, the APG Chairperson said a meeting had been held with the newly elected MPs, cultural, religious and community leaders in which Jacob Oulanyah sought their endorsement.
Mr Okin pointed out that they had endorsed Oulanyah on grounds which included his competence, humility, capability in steering the eleventh parliament, honesty, and objectivity.
Ojara added that this is the best time for Oulanyah to steer parliament since he had stepped down for the position for Kadaga in the tenth parliament.
Okin was flanked by fourteen Members of Parliament out of the eighteen newly MPs from the Acholi sub region.
Judith Peace Acan, the Woman MP elect for Nwoya district who pledged support for the endorsement said that the decision is not based on tribal affiliation but Oulanyah`s capability, competence, leadership quality and experience.
Reverend Father Charles Onen, the MP Elect for Pece-Laroo Division in Gulu City rallied other Members of Parliament to give their support to Jacoub Oulanyah.
Ricky Anywar Richard, the MP Elect for Agago West County said that it is the pride of Acholi and Ugandans to see Oulanyah go through as Speaker of the eleventh parliament.
