Uganda Gears Up for Leadership Change as Tragedy Strikes on Gulu Highway
KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares to elect a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker on Monday, the nation is also mourning the loss of three Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff members who died in a rare elephant collision on the Gulu-Kampala highway.
Parliament Leadership Vote Set for Today
Lawmakers will convene to fill the top two parliamentary positions following the exit of former Speaker Anita Among, who stepped down amid corruption investigations. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) — holding a comfortable majority — is expected to secure its preferred candidates after an intense internal party process.
The NRM’s Central Executive Committee has favored Oboth Oboth, the outgoing Defence Minister, for Speaker. Meanwhile, incumbent Deputy Speaker Tayebwa has been endorsed by Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda. The deputy race initially drew 16 contenders, while three lawmakers vied for the Speaker position.
Other hopefuls, including Justice Minister Norbert Mao, have also lobbied regional support, but political analysts say the NRM’s backing will likely prove decisive.
In a related development, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has faced claims that an anti-corruption operation dubbed “Ufisadi” is a political witch hunt. In a post on X, lawyer Daudi Kabanda rejected that narrative, stating: “It’s a lie being pushed by the corrupt and their agents. General @mkainerugaba is fighting corruption across tribe, religion and party lines. No thief will get political cover.”
Three URA Staff Killed in Elephant Collision
The political news was overshadowed by a road tragedy Sunday evening around 8 p.m. on the Gulu-Kampala highway near Karuma. A van carrying Uganda Revenue Authority staff hit an elephant, which then rammed and overturned the vehicle, trapping those inside.
Among the deceased is Robert Wamala Lumanyika, widely known as “Tax Mwalimu,” a former WBS broadcaster turned tax educator at URA. Two women survived the crash and are receiving hospital treatment in Kampala.
The highway borders Murchison Falls National Park, an area known for wildlife crossings. Motorists have repeatedly called for better fencing and clearer signage to prevent similar accidents. Julius Ssenkandwa, who confirmed Lumanyika’s passing on X, wrote: “RIP friend.”
Tourism Expo Wraps on High Note
Amid the political transition and tragedy, Uganda’s tourism sector celebrated a milestone. The 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), themed “Wanderlust,” drew thousands to Kampala for cultural performances, wildlife showcases, and over 5,000 business meetings with buyers from Europe and Asia.
Influencers including Janice Kemigisha donned traditional attire and tried pottery, while UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa launched a campaign sending bikers on a European tour as adventure ambassadors. The event ended with POATE Awards honoring documentaries and sustainable tourism efforts — boosting a sector that welcomed 1.64 million arrivals last year.
As Uganda’s Parliament opens today, all eyes will be on the election results, even as the nation mourns its dead and celebrates its natural wonders.
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