Marshall Alenyo O.O. Jr., the newly elected Member of Parliament for Jonam County in Pakwach District, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Speaker in Uganda’s 12th Parliament, promising to champion anti-corruption reforms, regional inclusion, and people-centred legislation.
Speaking at a press conference, Alenyo presented himself as a candidate with broad institutional experience, having served in the executive, judiciary, and now entering the legislature.
“I have worked in the executive for more than 15 years, served in the judiciary as an advocate, and now I am joining the legislature. Having served in all the three arms of government, I believe I am well placed to understand how these institutions function,” he said.
A lawyer by profession, Alenyo highlighted his academic background, which includes a Master of Laws degree from a university in the United Kingdom, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre.
The MP-elect also cited his long service in government, particularly his contribution to Uganda’s national identification system and his work in the passport office under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Alenyo said his bid is partly driven by the need to secure representation for the West Nile sub-region in the country’s top leadership positions.
“West Nile is a very important part of this country, but looking at the positions already declared, the region does not seem to have a role. I want to bring the West Nile voice into the leadership of the 12th Parliament,” he said.
He pledged to use the office of Deputy Speaker to strengthen accountability and support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s anti-corruption campaign.
“My voice has consistently been against corruption and I intend to maintain that momentum,” Alenyo stated.
On his legislative priorities, the Jonam County legislator said he would focus on resolving the long-standing Palango land dispute affecting communities in Jonam across the River Nile. He also vowed to address complaints of brutality and harsh enforcement operations allegedly carried out by marine security personnel and fisheries enforcement teams on Uganda’s water bodies.
“The people of Jonam specifically sent me to Parliament to address the issue of the lost land of Palango and the violence on the waters by marine officers and other enforcement teams,” he said.
Alenyo argued that fishing communities and ordinary citizens continue to suffer under what he described as unfriendly operational policies.
“The bafoobi of this country are suffering a lot under the harsh operational terms. I want to champion people-friendly laws,” he added.
The MP-elect further argued that the eastern region already appears heavily represented among contenders for top parliamentary positions, saying West Nile should also have a place in the leadership of the 12th Parliament.
“The entire West Nile needs to come on board and make its contribution,” he said.
The race for Deputy Speaker is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as regional interests and political alignments continue to shape the leadership contest ahead of the inauguration of the 12th Parliament.
