Masindi MP Dr. Asiimwe Intensifies Speaker Bid, Courts Northern Uganda With Message of Restoring Parliament Integrity

Lira, Uganda: The Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi District, Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, has intensified her campaign for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, rallying support from legislators across the country through a series of consultations, public engagements, and strategic outreach initiatives.

In her recent public statements, Dr. Asiimwe has outlined a clear and ambitious vision for a more disciplined, transparent, and effective Parliament. She has emphasized the urgent need to restore public confidence in the legislative arm of government by promoting professionalism, accountability, and issue-based debate. Her campaign strongly advocates for enhanced legislative oversight, improved governance standards, and parliamentary proceedings that genuinely reflect the priorities and concerns of Ugandan citizens.

Speaking exclusively to The Luo Native Publication, Dr. Asiimwe noted that her bid is driven by a desire to “restore Parliament’s integrity and professionalism.” She expressed concern over what she described as a decline in the quality of debate in recent years, citing increasing corruption allegations, the emergence of what she termed “comedic sessions,” and a shift away from substantive policy discussions. According to her, these trends have undermined Parliament’s credibility and weakened its effectiveness as a watchdog institution.

As part of her broader campaign strategy, Dr. Asiimwe has reached 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 to ensuring that the Office of the Speaker reflects fairness, diversity, and inclusiveness.

She 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 in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

The race for Speaker in the 12th Parliament is already drawing significant attention, with several contenders positioning themselves for the influential role. The Speaker is responsible for presiding over parliamentary proceedings, maintaining order during debates, and representing Parliament both nationally and internationally.

Observers note that Dr. Asiimwe’s expanding outreach—especially her efforts to secure cross-regional backing—could significantly influence voting dynamics. Her strong working relationships with leaders from regions such as Lango and Bunyoro have boosted her popularity, with several MPs from these areas reportedly expressing support, citing her integrity, leadership qualities, and commitment to institutional reform.

She 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 FOR SPEAKERSHIP??? 

Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD is a 6th born of 9 Children born to OW'Ihanga lya Bachwezi ( Bachwezi Dynasty) the late Erifazi Manyuru Atwooki, and Nyakabworo the late Janet Nyabuje Abwooli of Kijura South Cell, Western Ward, Central Division, Masindi Municipality. 

Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD was born on 15th February 1960 in Masindi District. 

Education 

Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD, went to Kabalega Primary School where she obtained a first grade and was admitted in Trinity College Nabbingo where she spent Six Years of Education ( Ordinary and Advanced Level) 

At Trinity College Nabbingo, in 1979 she converted to Catholism after being convinced of the Mysteries of the Catholic Faith. When she informed her Father about her change of Religion, the Father accepted. Dr. Asiimwe is a staunch Catholic in Faith and Works.

Dr. Asmmine: In 1982 Dr. Asiimwe PhD joined Makerere University where she completed with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Social Sciences, ( Upper Second Class) in 1985.

In 1989 Dr. Asiimwe joined the Institute of Social Studies ( ISS) , in the Hague ( Den Haag) , the Netherlands ( Holland) for a Masters Degree in Development Studies ( Regional Development Planning Specialisation) which she completed in 1990

In 1993 Dr. Asiimwe went back to Netherlands for a Diploma in Urban Planning and Management Course

In 2003, Dr. Asiimwe embarked on her PhD studies at University of Cape Town, South Africa which she completed in June 2008. Her PhD Thesis was entitled ' 'Gender Dynamics in Homeownership in Uganda'

In 2011, Dr. Asiimwe won a PostDoc Fellowship in African Studies at Michigan University, USA which she completed in 2012.

Dr. Asiimwe has published various Journal Articles and book Chapters

WORK EXPERIENCE

After Graduation Dr. Asiimwe was retained in the department of Sociology, Makerere University as a Teaching Assistant because of her good performance. 

Dr. Asiimwe later joined Public service under the Ministry of Local Government as an Urban Development Officer and was posted to Luwero District before going for Masters Degree studies in the Netherlands in 1989

After Masters Degree joined the NGO World where she worked as Program Officer in various Organizations for example AMREF International, Danish Volunteer Service ( DVS) later named MS Uganda, Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) Uganda, 

In 1993 Dr. Asiimwe re-joined MakererevUniversity, as a Lecturer where she has worked for over 20 years. 

At Makerere University as a Student, Dr. Asiimwe was a Minister for MESS AFFAIRS ( Student Food and Welfare) in Mary Stuart Hall which job she did so well and was given an Award. 

 As a Staff member Dr. Asiimwe was a General. Secretary of Makerere University Academic Staff Association ( MUASA) a job she did so well that Academic Staff Salaries were enhanced. 

Dr. Asiimwe has been a Senior Consultant ( Senior Sociologist) on various Projects funded by World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF etc

 Dr. Asmmine: POLITICAL LIFE

Dr. Asiimwe was born a politician, a revolutionalist, consistent, frank, point blank, truthful in nature all aimed at Social Justice in Society. As a Senior Sociologist she puts Sociological Theories into real Practice. 

In 2015, Dr. Asiimwe requested for early retirement from Makerere University Council to join politics 

In 2016, Dr. Asiimwe stood for Woman MP Position in Masindi which she lost but remained grounded or on ground. 

In 2021,Dr. Asiimwe stood again for Woman MP Position in Masindi which she won with 54% ( Fifty Four Percent) 

In 2026 Dr. Asiimwe stood again for Woman MP Position which she won with a landslide of 70% ( Seventy Percent) beating her rivals with a Margin of 48,000 Votes!!! 

Dr. Asiimwe has focused on Community Development Projects that touch people's lives for example Tents and Chairs, Taplins, Public Address Systems, Ambulance, Skilling the Youths etc 

Dr. Asiimwe helped Masindi Women to acquire a Land title in Masindi Women Council name. Her PhD thesis on Home ownership is a testimony to this. On this Land the Women will be able to construct structures and start projects to improve on their income. 

FAMILY LIFE

Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD never got married why? She lost her siblings who left her with 7 ( Seven) very young children to look after. This was a Sacrifice she had to make. Good enough most of these orphans are now graduates with Children including 3 ( Three) sets of Twins. 

In addition, Dr Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD has looked after and is still taking care of so many vulnerable children using her genuinely earned resources from Parliament. 

This is Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki PhD Sociology for you for SPEAKERSHIP of 12th Parliament 2026-2031

OTHER COMMUNITY WORK

Dr. Asiimwe has been a Minister ( Omugatwa) for Social Services : Health and Education in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom 2018-2023

Dr Asiimwe is a Past Inspiration President of Makerere Rainbow Rotary Club 2018-2019

Under Rotary, Dr. Asiimwe founded a Dancing Rotarians Fellowship under which she, with her executive were able to raise 25M for Rotary Work through Dancing. It is through the Dancing Rotarians fellowship under Rotary, that she was nicknamed the DANCING QUEEN. 

Dr. Asiimwe has been a Deputy Chair for St. Augustine Catholic Women Guild Makerere University.

 PARLIAMENTARY WORK

In the 11th Parliament Dr. Asiimwe has been the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation. 

She has also been a Member of Appointments Committee, 

A member on Gender, Labour and Social Development Committee