-Banned From Attending Parliamentary Committees, Trips Abroad
By Insight Post Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
In a decisive move aimed at addressing the issue of absenteeism among members of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among has implemented strict measures that ban legislators from participating in various parliamentary activities if they consistently miss plenary sittings without proper authorisation.
The ruling, which encompasses committee engagements, foreign trips, and conferences, underscores the Speaker’s commitment to upholding parliamentary discipline.
Among communicated the new directive to the house, emphasising the need for MPs to adhere to Rule 112 of the Rules of Procedure. This rule allows for the expulsion of members who are absent from plenary for a maximum of 15 consecutive sittings without authorisation from the Speaker.
The Speaker expressed concern about the continued absence of some members and clarified that formal requests for leave of absence had not been received from them.
Under the new directive, only members who are formally granted leave of absence will be allowed to participate in parliamentary committees and enjoy benefits such as travel abroad.
Members who are absent without approval are explicitly barred from parliamentary activities, including meetings, trips, conferences, and participation in the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games.
Furthermore, Among announced that for committees whose leadership is absent without authorisation, committee members may evoke Rule 203 (5) of the Rules of Procedure to continue transacting committee business.
This signals a comprehensive approach to ensuring that parliamentary duties are not hindered by the absence of key figures.
Contrary to initial interpretations, the Speaker’s tough stance on absenteeism applies to all Members of Parliament in the 11th Parliament, regardless of political affiliation.
The move comes amid a boycott by opposition MPs who have been absent from plenary sittings for over a month. The boycott is in protest of what they perceive as the government’s inadequate response to their call for action on human rights violations in the country.
The opposition legislators have refused to return to the house until the government provides a comprehensive statement outlining the actions taken to address human rights concerns in Uganda.
The Speaker’s ruling, therefore, is not limited to any specific group but is a broader effort to instil discipline and responsibility among all members of the 11th Parliament.
The speaker has made it clear that adherence to parliamentary rules is non-negotiable, and any violation may result in expulsion from the house.
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