Robinah Nabbanja becomes Uganda’s first female prime minister

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kakumiro Woman Member of Parliament Robinah Nabbanja has been approved by legislators as Uganda’s first female Prime Minister. Nabbanja will replace Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, now a special envoy in the Office of the President.

Chris Baryomunsi, the Kinkizi East MP on Monday moved a motion seeking the approval of Nabbanja as the Prime Minister, describing Nabbanja as a hardworking and a no-nonsense person when it comes to fighting corruption and proper use of public resources.

He added that Nabbanja is a patriot, team player and will be able to offer leadership as Prime Minister once given the opportunity.

While seconding the motion, Oyam South MP Betty Amongi said that Nabbanja has risen through different leadership positions and understands what the ordinary Ugandan goes through.

Although a section of the opposition legislators wanted to debate her credentials, Soyi County MP Kisos Chemaswete moved a motion seeking suspension of the debate noting that the country was faced with a spike of Covid-19 cases and minimal time should be spent in the House. This was adopted by the majority of members after Deputy Speaker Anita Among put posed a question on it.

In her acceptance speech, Nabbanja appreciated MPs for their support and committed to building on a foundation already laid by the former Premier Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and ensuring that Ugandans get timely and quality services that they yearn for.

Nabbanja, 51, has previously served as the Minister of Health in charge of General Duties. Having come from a teaching background and owing to her service as a Resident District Commissioner, Nabbanja is an avid mobilizer known to every member of the National Resistance Movement-NRM party.

She became more popular among parliamentarians during the age limit debate, as one of the MPs who stood strong in promoting the removal of the presidential age limit.

According to the Parliamentary directory, Nabbanja studied from St Edward SS Bukuumi for both Ordinary and Advanced level and attained a Diploma in Democracy and Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi in 1998. She attained a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field in 2010 before returning to Nkozi later for a Masters’ Degree in Democracy and Development Studies.

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