By Annet Nakanwagi,
KAMPALA
Opposition politicians are accusing the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi of making partisan decision on regional parliament.
Parliament through Article 95(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the Speaker to determine the place and time of Parliament’s sittings resolved to hold regional sittings starting with Northern Uganda effective 28th -30th August, 2024, at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City. Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs says regional sittings seek to enhance parliament oversight, legislative, and appropriation functions.
Parliament will be spending minimum Shs5 billion per day for four days approximately shillings 20 billion. This prompted the Leader of Opposition to call on legislators from the shadow of parliament to reject the sittings citing out exorbitant expenditures of taxpayer’s money.
There is a heated debate between legislators who argue that Ssenyonyi has raised valid concerns about the extravagance of the regional sittings and some critics who say that his approach is misguided.
The Democratic Party (DP) argues that Ssenyonyi’s method of working is too partisan, and yet he is expected to unite all opposition members, not only those from his political party – NUP but also those from other parties to present a common voice.
Ismail Kiirya, Acting DP spokesperson and president of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) said on Tuesday that Ssenyonyi and his MPs are speaking in different directions, causing confusion.
“He is working more as a whip to his Party not the opposition, as the LOP we would have expected him to involve all the opposition members not only his party members to have a common voice,” said Kiirya. “But, he is speaking differently, and the MPs he is leading are also speaking in a different direction.”
The UYD President argue that the Leader of Opposition should take a more inclusive approach, involving all opposition members and learning from previous Leaders of Opposition.
Additionally, the Democratic Party noted that regional sittings will not achieve any significant impact because proceedings will be conducted as it has been a case in Kampala. They propose alternative solutions, such as policy Barazas, where parliament can engage with community members and leaders to understand regional challenges and develop targeted solutions.
“We have a problem of most MPs who are not connected to their constituencies at all but once other MPs move to a certain region they will be able to listen to them well,” said Ag. DP spokesperson, Ismail Kiirya.
