During today’s plenary at parliament today, voters were left shocked after the speaker chaired almost an empty parliament with just a handful of legislators. This is directly attributed to the on-going NRM primaries and electioneering ahead of the 2021 general polls where many of the legislators are busy conversing for support from the electorates.
On the order paper exclusively seen by this website, parliament was supposed to discuss the fate of some boarder districts that are currently still under lockdown because of Covid-19. The house was also set to look into the matter where some of the repatriated Ugandans who were quarantined at Sheraton Hotel for 14 days were again retained for more 3 days which affected their pockets since they are supposed to pay for all costs during quarantine.
During today’s plenary, parliament was also supposed to pass a motion authorizing the minister of finance, planning and economic development to release funds for the newly created Terego district and the new cities that became operational on 1st July 2020 and many other matters of national importance.
However, to every one’s surprise, legislators didn’t turn up. A disappointed speaker was seen looking at the empty chairs as the few members present tried to give the vibe of participation. On this case still, long serving Dokolo legislator Hon. Cecilia Ogwal raised a concern over the absence of the ministers and demanded to know whether the ministers were blocked from attending today’s plenary yet every Thursday in parliament, legislators raise matters of national importance where ministers respond to them.
Hon. Cecilia Ogwal (Dokolo district MP) has raised concern over the absence of Ministers ( Executive) in todays #PlenaryUg. She demands to know whether the Ministers were allowed not to attend #PlenaryUg. pic.twitter.com/2uo3cIR3LY
— Parliament Watch (@pwatchug) August 6, 2020
In the wake of Covid-19, parliament was moved out of the chambers and the number of legislators was reduced such every member of parliamet gets chance to speak on the floor and participate in debates but even still members continue absenting themselves.
