Wanyoto Backs Islamic Insurance Launch, Reaffirms Readiness for Speaker Race

By Gad Masereka

The Woman Member of Parliament for Mbale City, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, on Tuesday joined thousands of invited guests at Millennium Park in Lugogo for the official launch of Tamini General Insurance Company, where she pledged continued legislative support for inclusive financial reforms and reaffirmed her readiness to serve in higher leadership if entrusted with the mandate.

The ceremony, presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marked the unveiling of Uganda’s first Sharia compliant insurance provider in a historic event held at Millennium Park in Kampala. The launch, conducted during the holy month of Ramadan, brought together Muslim leaders, government officials and private sector players in what organizers described as a milestone for faith aligned financial services.

Tamini General Insurance enters the market with a model designed to offer risk protection consistent with Islamic principles, a move aimed at widening financial inclusion and strengthening confidence among entrepreneurs who prefer non interest based systems. The President emphasized that alternative financial structures can coexist within Uganda’s broader economic framework to support household incomes and national growth.

Speaking to The New Light Paper, shortly after the launch, Wanyoto congratulated the Muslim community and described the development as both timely and progressive. “Financial empowerment must speak to the values of our communities. When people feel represented in national programs, participation increases,” she said, adding that Parliament has a duty to ensure that such initiatives are properly anchored in law and effectively supervised.

She also expressed appreciation for Chief Muzzukulu Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, with whom she said she has maintained a close working relationship. Wanyoto pledged to continue collaborating with Namyalo in advancing community mobilization and government programs. “I am happy to work with my sister Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo and I am ready to continue working with her for the good of our people,” she said.

Wanyoto, a former Member of the East African Legislative Assembly and former chairperson of the National Resistance Movement Women’s League, pointed to her legislative and regional experience as preparation for greater responsibility. While noting that her primary focus at the event was to support a national development initiative, she acknowledged her candidature for Speaker of Parliament and called for a free and transparent process.

“The vote for Speaker is by secret ballot. No one should be pressured. Members must make independent decisions based on who they believe can best guide the House,” she said.

She also welcomed calls for a public debate among candidates. “This is a big office. Ugandans deserve to hear from those seeking to lead their Parliament. It is about who can articulate their voice and protect their interests,” she said.

Her remarks came at a time when the country’s legislative leadership remains in transition following the dissolution of the previous Parliament.

As Uganda expands financial inclusion through institutions such as Tamini, the intersection of economic reform and parliamentary stewardship is likely to shape debates in the next session, with leaders like Wanyoto positioning themselves at the center of that evolving conversation.