The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah has cautioned cabinet ministers against skipping House business, warning that Parliament will give prominence to Private Members’ business instead.
Oulanya issued the warning Tuesday afternoon after ministers who were scheduled to answer questions failed to show up and had not asked to be excused.
During the sitting, Chief Opposition Whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (FDC, Kira Municipality) sought the Speaker’s guidance after Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa (NRM, Kiboga) responded to all issues specific to sector Ministers.
In response, Oulanyah said the Ministers’ absence frustrates House business which he said is unacceptable.
“This House needs Ministers to transact its business; we know the sectors that always show up in these matters of national importance. Is it difficult to learn the trend and deploy?” said Oulanyah.
At the commencement of every plenary sitting, MPs raise urgent matters requiring response from Ministers, but in the recent past, like was the case today, Ministers responsible were unavailable.
Recently, Oulanyah promised to name and shame Ministers who are in the habit of absconding from plenary work, with Nankabirwa urging the Speaker to “publish the list because it will ease my work”.
