|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Much as the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Annette Anita Among insisted that the Gulu regional parliamentary sitting would only prioritize issues concerning the people of Northern Uganda and nothing else would be discussed, something made it’s way on the floor of parliament at Kaunda Grounds.
Mityana County South MP Rihard Lumu sought leave of parliament to formulate a private member’s bill where he wants the Leader of Opposition to be elected by the opposition members of parliament. The Lumu bill now hijacks powers of the leading opposition party in party from appointing an MP of it’s wish as the Leader of Opposition.
Lumu while seeking leave of parliament wondered why the Catholics can vote the Pope, Ugandans vote for a president and MPs elect a speaker, while the Leader of Opposition and Chief Opposition Whip are exempted from the same democratic principles he says they claim to profess.
Several opposition politicians and political analysts have lashed at Lumu’s proposed amendments to the administration of parliament. Among these is Dr Kiiza Besigye who says the said amendments are not a priority now but just a diversion from the general welfare of how things are handled in this country.
Speaking today during NBS’s Morning Breeze, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi who is the reason why the amendments are coming after commanding his troops not to step a foot in Gulu for the regional sittings also questioned the timing and selection of the amendments.
“I have not said it is wrong but people are asking; if it’s okay to vote for the leader of the opposition and opposition chief whip, may it should also be okay to vote for the leader of government business and government chief whip”-said Ssenyonyi.
Now the Forum for Democratic Party (FDC) of Najjanankumbi has also lashed at Lumu, punching holes in his proposed amendments and asked the National Unity Platform (NUP), the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and the entire opposition wing in parliament not to allow the said changes just like they did when MP Medard Lubega Ssegona also suggested the same before.
“Proposed amendment of the administration of Parliament act as moved by Hon. Richard Lumu.
Last Thursday, during the Northern regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu city, Hon. Richard Lumu the MP Mityana South Constituency (DP) moved a motion seeking leave to introduce a private Member’s bill, The administration of Parliament Bill 2024, which among others, seeks to have the leader of the Opposition elected by Opposition MPs.
We in the FDC Party reiterates our considered view of rejecting this intended legislation moved by Hon. Lumu which is not anywhere in the Commonwealth parliamentary practice. based on the following reasons, we reject the Lumu proposed amendments;
1. It undermines Democratic Principles: The amendment would allow all opposition MPs to elect the Leader of Opposition, potentially leading to a divisive and chaotic process with the opposition ranks both in Parliament and at a political party level which will give the ruling party a leverage to ferment hostility with in the opposition over the leadership of opposition in Parliament.
2. Disregards Party Structures and thus weaken political Party democracy: The proposal disregards the internal structures and processes of individual opposition parties, potentially creating conflicts and undermining party cohesion. This arrangement dis empower Political parties in choosing and ensure control and influence over it’s members in Parliament. The said legislation if passed will kill multi party democracy in Parliament as the elected leader of opposition by opposition members will not represent the views of opposition parties represented in Parliament as he wont be answerable to parties but rather MPs.
3. Fosters Infighting: The amendment could lead to intense rivalries and infighting among opposition MPs, weakening the opposition’s collective strength and effectiveness.
4. Lacks Consultation: The proposal was moved without adequate consultation with opposition parties, demonstrating a lack of respect for their autonomy and input. We wonder what defect is Hon. Lumu trying to cure in the existing legislation? For all the issues that affects Ugandans, do we really need such legislation at this time?? Whom does Hon. Lumu and the proponents of this amendment works for if we the key stakeholders haven’t come out to demand for it?
5. Threatens Opposition Unity: The amendment could fragment the opposition, making it harder to present a united front against the ruling party. In fact Hon. Lumu is indirectly opening a door for the ruling party to penetrate the opposition easily and giving an avenue for it to influence the outcome of the election. The regime will pump money and will sponsor a candidate to run for the position and hence that person will always work for the state which determined his election as leader of opposition and this will affect the furtherance of opposition agenda and unity in the house.
FDC believes that the legislation should always be blind. This particular amendment seems to be having eyes to a particular personality or opposition party looking at the spirit of the said legislation. We shouldn’t settle scores by mooting for legislation targeting certain individuals whom some people may have differences or disappointment with. We must enact legislations for posterity. Today we are in opposition, tomorrow we are in Government but we look to have a strong opposition to put our Government in check. We must not be blinded to be career opposition members. Our destination must be looking at capturing state power.
In the 10th Parliament, this very amendment was moved by Hon. Medard Ssegona Lubega (MP, Busiro East) and Hon. Aja Baryayanga (then Kabale Municipality MP) and was supported by then Shadow attorney General the Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (MP Ndorwa West) which attempted to amend the Administration of Parliament Act to change the designation of the Leader of Opposition from the main opposition party to the entire opposition caucus.
As the leading opposition party at that time, FDC, under the able leadership of the Hon. Betty Aol Ocan (Leader of Opposition) and Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC Secretary-General and MP, Budadiri West), strategically blocked this proposed amendment.
We call upon the Opposition leadership in Parliament led by NUP to offer leadership and mobilise the opposition political parties and key stakeholders to block this very redundant amendment. We call for opposition unity as we pursue this battle where the NRM regime intends to assert its control over the opposition in Parliament.
As FDC, we strongly oppose the amendment moved by Hon. Lumu, believing it’s driven by bad faith and aims to disempower opposition political parties’ institutions. We support maintaining the status quo.”
If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews19@gmail.com
