Dr. (PhD) Asiimwe Florence Akiiki Vows Disciplined Parliament as she Takes on Anita Among,Norbert Mao for Speaker of 12th Parliament

LIRA, UGANDA – The Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi District, Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD, has intensified her campaign for the Speakership of Uganda's 12th Parliament, rallying support from legislators across the country through strategic outreach—including direct engagement with MPs from Northern Uganda—as she vows to "restore Parliament's integrity and professionalism."

In a series of consultations and public engagements, Dr. Asiimwe has outlined an ambitious vision for a more disciplined, transparent, and effective legislative body, warning that recent trends have turned Parliament into a stage for "comedic sessions" rather than serious policy debate.

Speaking exclusively to karumapost Publication, Dr. Asiimwe expressed deep concern over what she described as a decline in the quality of parliamentary debate in recent years.

"We have seen increasing corruption allegations, comedic sessions, and a shift away from substantive policy discussions," she said. "These trends have undermined Parliament's credibility and weakened its effectiveness as a watchdog institution."

Her campaign strongly advocates for enhanced legislative oversight, improved governance standards, and parliamentary proceedings that genuinely reflect the priorities and concerns of Ugandan citizens.

As part of her broader campaign strategy, Dr. Asiimwe has made deliberate efforts to reach out to Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda, underscoring the importance of regional balance and inclusivity in national leadership.

Political analysts view this as a calculated effort to build a broad-based coalition ahead of the internal parliamentary elections. Her engagements aim to demonstrate her commitment to national unity and ensuring that the Office of the Speaker reflects fairness, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Her strong working relationships with leaders from regions such as Lango and Bunyoro have reportedly boosted her popularity, with several MPs from these areas expressing support—citing her integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to institutional reform.

Dr. Asiimwe has also called upon President Yoweri Museveni to support her bid, urging him to back a candidate of integrity who is committed to safeguarding Parliament's independence and dignity.

While the President does not directly appoint the Speaker, his influence within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) remains a key factor in shaping the outcome of the race.

Sources close to her campaign indicate that her candidacy is gaining traction, particularly among MPs advocating for institutional reforms, stronger oversight mechanisms, and greater parliamentary independence. Her supporters highlight her legislative experience, consistency, and long-standing advocacy for governance reforms as distinguishing strengths.

Observers note that her expanding outreach especially her efforts to secure cross-regional backing could significantly influence voting dynamics.

Dr. Asiimwe is expected to face competition from other prominent legislators, including the incumbent Speaker, Anita Annet Among, setting the stage for a closely contested race within the NRM and across Parliament.

Who is Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD?

Background

Born February 15, 1960, in Masindi District, Dr. Asiimwe is the 6th of 9 children born to the late Erifazi Manyuru Atwooki (of the Bachwezi Dynasty) and the late Janet Nyabuje Abwooli.

Education

· Kabalega Primary School (First Grade)

· Trinity College Nabbingo (O & A Level – 6 years)

· Makerere University – BA in Arts Social Sciences (Upper Second Class, 1985)

· Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands – MA in Development Studies (1990)

· Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands – Diploma in Urban Planning & Management (1993)

· University of Cape Town, South Africa – PhD (2008)

· University of Michigan, USA – PostDoc Fellowship in African Studies (2012)

Academic Career

Dr. Asiimwe lectured at Makerere University for over 20 years, served as General Secretary of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA)—where she successfully advocated for enhanced academic salaries—and has worked as a Senior Consultant for World Bank, UNDP, and UNICEF.

Political Career

· 2016: Lost Woman MP race in Masindi

· 2021: Won Woman MP with 54%

· 2026: Re-elected with landslide 70% (48,000-vote margin)

Parliamentary Work (11th Parliament)

· Deputy Chair, Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation

· Member, Appointments Committee

· Member, Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development

Family & Personal Life

Dr. Asiimwe never married, having sacrificed personal life to raise seven orphaned children left behind by her deceased siblings. All seven are now graduates, including three sets of twins. She continues to care for many vulnerable children using her parliamentary resources.

Community Service

· Minister for Social Services (Health & Education), Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (2018-2023)

· Past Inspiration President, Makerere Rainbow Rotary Club (2018-2019)

· Founder, Dancing Rotarians Fellowship (raised 25M for Rotary work; nicknamed "Dancing Queen")

· Deputy Chair, St. Augustine Catholic Women Guild, Makerere University

Signature Achievement

Dr. Asiimwe helped Masindi women acquire a land title in the Masindi Women Council's name—a direct application of her PhD thesis on "Gender Dynamics in Homeownership in Uganda."

What next?

The race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament is drawing significant attention. Dr. Asiimwe's campaign argues that her legislative experience, academic depth, community track record, and reform agenda make her the ideal candidate to lead Parliament from 2026 to 2031.

"This is Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD for you," her supporters say. "For Speakership of the 12th Parliament."